Over 100 civil society organisations on Monday converged in Abuja to present a detailed mid-term assessment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, applauding the administration’s fiscal reforms and commitment to economic transformation.

Speaking during the world press conference organised by the Independent Civil Society Groups in Nigeria, the coalition praised the administration’s budgeting strategies and the bold decisions that underpin the current economic restructuring process.

The event featured the unveiling detailed report on the Renewed Hope Agenda and national budget strategy, coordinated by the coalition.

The document praised key policy interventions, especially in infrastructure, education, health, economic diversification, and human capital development.

The coalition also commended Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, for his role in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal direction.

Presenting the report, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, President of the coalition, described the administration’s agenda as a strategic turning point in Nigeria’s journey towards inclusive growth, macroeconomic stability, and long-term national development.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, inaugurated on May 29, 2023, embarked on a transformative journey under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This comprehensive policy framework aims to revitalize Nigeria’s economy, enhance governance, and improve the quality of life for its citizens,” Dr Agabi said.

“Central to the success of these reforms is the visionary leadership of the Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. As a key architect of the administration’s fiscal framework, Senator Bagudu has brought a wealth of experience, clarity of purpose, and a deep understanding of economic realities to national planning.”

The coalition outlined the strategic budgetary reforms of the Tinubu administration, including the 2025 “Budget of Restoration,” which prioritises capital investment.

“The 2025 budget, aptly titled the ‘Budget of Restoration,’ reflects a commitment to prudent financial management and strategic allocation of resources. With a total expenditure of ₦54.99 trillion, the budget emphasizes capital investment, allocating ₦23.4 trillion (42.6% of total spending) to infrastructure and economic development projects.”

Other significant reforms highlighted include the removal of fuel subsidies and naira devaluation. While the report acknowledged the short-term discomfort, it applauded the long-term benefits.

“These measures, while initially contributing to inflationary pressures, have improved fiscal transparency and reduced the fiscal deficit from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024.”

Infrastructure development featured prominently in the coalition’s assessment. Key national projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway were described as indicators of serious government commitment.

“The administration has launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), targeting the mobilization of ₦20 trillion to finance critical projects across the country.”

On education and health, the coalition praised increased budgetary allocation and social impact reforms.

“The 2025 budget allocates ₦3.52 trillion to education and ₦2.48 trillion to health, reflecting a commitment to improving access and quality in these sectors.”

Programmes like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Student Loans Act 2024, and the expansion of primary health centres were presented as vital moves to strengthen human capital.

The coalition also commended the president’s efforts to diversify the economy.

“Investments in agriculture, solid minerals, and digital innovation are central to this strategy. The government has declared a state of emergency in agriculture… while the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme aims to train three million Nigerians in high-demand tech skills by 2027.”

Dr. Agabi added that the administration’s inclusion of equity-focused policies reflects a deliberate attempt to spread the dividends of democracy nationwide.

“The inclusion of state-level infrastructure funds and national student loan schemes also reflects a broader vision of equity and access, ensuring that the gains of reform are felt beyond major cities and by future generations.”

The report urged continued focus on stability, transparency, and accountability, stressing that implementation will be critical to long-term success.

“Sustaining the momentum of the Renewed Hope Agenda requires more than political will. It demands consistency in implementation, timely communication with citizens, and deliberate efforts to monitor and evaluate outcomes.”

The coalition ended the press conference with a call for unity and resilience, asserting that Nigeria is on the cusp of transformation.

“With continued focus and genuine commitment, the Renewed Hope Agenda can truly live up to its name — ushering in a new era of accountability, productivity, and shared prosperity for all Nigerians.”