Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside other party leaders, on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to grassroots mobilisation and advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit 2026 held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, declared that the administration is transitioning from stabilisation in 2025 to acceleration in 2026.
He said the proposed ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget would anchor this new phase, highlighting historic allocations to national security and substantial capital expenditure.
“With prudent revenue projections, we are scaling growth while strengthening resilience,” Shettima stated.
He noted that tax reforms were designed to protect vulnerable citizens, encourage enterprise, and entrench transparency in public finance. He also cited the recent executive order on direct remittances to the Federation Account as a measure to safeguard revenues, eliminate duplication, curb waste, and ensure responsible management of public resources.
The Vice President said the administration chose “the path of honesty and discipline” from the outset, confronting structural distortions and restoring fiscal credibility.
“Today, we are seeing clear signs that our reforms have begun to yield results. Inflationary pressures are moderating, fuel prices are easing, and our currency is strong and stable,” he added.
Shettima highlighted that five of the seven major investment decisions taken in Africa in 2025 were in Nigeria, describing it as evidence of renewed investor confidence.
He stressed the need for effective communication to bridge perception gaps, urging Renewed Hope Ambassadors to explain reforms, counter misinformation with facts, and serve as a feedback channel for citizens’ concerns.
“This platform shall serve as an avenue for civic engagement. Ambassadors must explain why tough decisions had to be made and how they lead to jobs, security, enterprise, opportunity and a more stable future,” he said.
Addressing internal party tensions, Shettima appealed for reconciliation in Benue State, urging the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Governor Hyacinth Alia to “mend fences and move the state forward.”
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda expressed concern over poor visibility of the administration’s achievements, stating: “Good governance without communication is invisible. I’ve visited many states and seen impressive projects, but they are not being effectively communicated.”
This communication gap, he said, informed the establishment of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors structure.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, said stakeholders were working to unify the party into a stronger, more cohesive political family.
He emphasised that patriotic and accurate communication of reforms was essential to build citizens’ trust, citing improvements in food prices and increased domestic refining capacity, including the Dangote Refinery.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume urged authorities to allow public participation in governance.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a unifying national message.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, speaking on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed commitment to deepening reforms for job creation, investment attraction, and sustained economic transformation.
The summit underscored unity, partnership, and renewed focus on delivering tangible results to Nigerians amid ongoing economic and security challenges.
