The Federal Government (FG) has announced plans to present the 2027 national budget before the end of 2026, while stepping up efforts to attract investment into Nigeria’s creative industry through the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend 2026.
The Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed the budget timeline on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Responding to questions about preparations for the next fiscal year, Uzoka-Anite said the government intended to present the 2027 budget before the end of the year.
The minister also announced that the council had approved the revised National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Nigeria 2026 and the National Nutrition Bill 2026.
According to her, the documents were developed through collaboration involving the Office of the Vice President, relevant federal ministries, the private sector, the National Assembly and development partners.
She explained that the policy and proposed legislation would strengthen the coordination and implementation of food and nutrition programmes nationwide, while promoting sustainable funding and accountability.
Uzoka-Anite said the initiatives were aimed at improving the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly by reducing childhood stunting. She added that the National Nutrition Bill would be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
The minister also congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the successful hosting of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, held in Abuja from October 26 to 28.
She said the summit provided an opportunity to present the National Development Plan 2026–2030, which she described as a framework for boosting productivity, creating jobs and promoting shared prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, announced that the Federal Government was targeting approximately 10,000 participants for the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend 2026.
The event is scheduled to hold in Lagos from November 5 to 8, 2026, bringing together stakeholders in fashion, film, gastronomy, performing arts and technology.
Oduwole said the gathering would create opportunities for networking, investment and business transactions, while showcasing Nigeria’s creative talents to international markets.
She noted that the initiative aligned with the government’s efforts to expand non-oil exports and utilise the creative potential of Nigerian youths to drive economic growth.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria was preparing to host the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2027, following President Tinubu’s approval for the country to bid for the event in November 2024.
According to her, the government plans to use both events to strengthen Nigeria’s position in Africa’s creative and commercial sectors and expand trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Intra-African Trade Fair is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 11, 2027.
