The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has called for a significant increase in budgetary allocations for the Ministry in 2026, emphasizing that adequate funding is essential for the effective communication of government policies and the restoration of public trust.
Speaking on Tuesday following an executive session of the 2026 Joint Budget Defence Meeting with National Assembly committees, the Minister expressed optimism that the upcoming fiscal year will address the operational requirements necessary to fulfill the Ministry’s statutory mandate.
“At the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, we are responsible for ensuring Nigerians are informed, enlightened, and educated about government programs and policies,” Minister Idris stated. “All national priorities ought to be articulated clearly. Without proper funding, this responsibility cannot be effectively achieved.”
The Minister highlighted the critical role of the Ministry’s agencies—including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He specifically noted that the impact of the NOA would be significantly greater if provided with the resources required to reach citizens across the federation.
Reviewing the previous year’s performance, the Minister disclosed that 2025 faced challenges with capital releases, noting that out of the N2.49 billion capital allocation for the ministry in 2025, only N205 million was released. Despite these hurdles, the Minister commended the National Assembly for their continued support and their commitment to bridging the funding gap.
The Joint Committee on Information and National Orientation, led by Senator Kenneth Eze and Hon. Olushola Fatoba, echoed the Minister’s concerns. The committee resolved to engage the leadership of the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the 2026 budget reflects the operational realities of the information sector, particularly as the nation heads toward a critical year of policy implementation.
“We are doing our best with available resources, but we must do better,” Idris added. “I know Mr. President is keen to ensure we receive the necessary support so that Nigerians are better informed and enlightened about the administration’s progress.”
The proposed 2026 budget for the Ministry includes a capital allocation of N1.434 billion and an overhead of N1.27 billion, with the Minister urging lawmakers to treat the information sector as a strategic priority for national cohesion and democratic engagement.
