Government to Present 2027 Budget Before Year-End

The Nigerian Government is preparing the 2027 national budget and plans to submit it before the end of 2026, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite has said.

Uzoka-Anite disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

She said the government intended to present the budget before the year ends but did not provide a specific date for its submission.

The minister also announced the council’s approval of the revised 2026 National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Nigeria and the National Nutrition Bill 2026.

She said the documents were developed through consultations involving the Office of the Vice-President, the ministries responsible for budget and economic planning, agriculture, livestock, education, and health, as well as the private sector, the National Assembly, and development partners.

According to Uzoka-Anite, the policy and proposed legislation establish a framework for coordinating food and nutrition programmes nationwide, ensuring sustainable funding and strengthening accountability.

She added that the measures were designed to improve public health and reduce childhood stunting. 

The executive bill will be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration, she said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government is targeting about 10,000 attendees for the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend 2026, scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 5 to 8.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole announced the target after Wednesday’s FEC meeting, describing the event as an opportunity to connect players in Africa’s creative economy with investors and business partners.

She said participants would come from sectors including fashion, film, food, performing arts and technology, with activities intended to encourage networking, investment and commercial partnerships.

Oduwole also disclosed that Nigeria was preparing to host the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2027, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the country’s bid in November 2024.

She said CANEX would provide an international platform to showcase Nigerian creative products and services, including fashion, films, cuisine, performing arts and technological innovations.

The minister linked the initiative to the administration’s efforts to harness the talents of young Nigerians and expand the country’s economic opportunities beyond traditional sectors.

She said the event would help creative businesses establish connections and secure commercial opportunities.

Oduwole added that CANEX aligned with the government’s drive to increase non-oil exports and to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand trade between African countries.