President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a stronger and more dynamic phase of economic growth for Nigeria, assuring citizens that the reforms introduced by his administration are beginning to yield concrete results.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, Tinubu said the country closed 2025 on a solid economic footing despite global challenges, stressing that difficult but necessary reforms were already stabilising the economy and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
According to the President, Nigeria recorded steady GDP growth throughout 2025, with annual growth projected to exceed four percent. He added that inflation declined consistently and dropped below 15 percent, aligning with government targets, while exchange rate stability improved and trade surpluses were maintained.
Tinubu noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange performed strongly, posting a 48.12 percent gain in 2025, and said the country’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, providing a strong buffer against external shocks. He also highlighted a sharp rise in foreign direct investment, which increased to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter, attributing the improvement to renewed investor confidence.
The President said 2026 would focus on consolidating these gains, reducing inflation further, and ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians. He explained that the new tax laws are aimed at creating a fairer and more competitive system, reducing multiple taxation, and strengthening the government’s capacity to fund infrastructure and social investments.
Tinubu acknowledged public debates around the tax reforms but insisted that implementation would continue, describing the process as critical to building a sustainable fiscal foundation for the country. He assured Nigerians that his administration would work with the National Assembly to address any issues that may arise during implementation.
On security, the President said Nigeria continued to face threats from terrorists and criminal groups, but noted that decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, in late December. He said military operations have since been sustained across the Northwest and Northeast.
Tinubu added that his administration supports decentralised policing with proper safeguards, alongside regulated forest guards, as part of a broader strategy to tackle insecurity effectively.
Looking ahead, the President said 2026 would see accelerated implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at bringing at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering no fewer than 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards. He said agriculture, trade, food processing and mining would be key drivers of grassroots economic growth.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure projects across roads, power, rail, ports, airports, healthcare, education and agriculture, stating that all current projects would continue without interruption.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism and shared responsibility in nation-building, stressing that progress requires collective effort.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year, praying for continued protection for the country and its armed forces.
