President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in a stronger phase of economic growth for Nigeria, pointing to easing inflation, healthier foreign reserves, rising investments and steady GDP expansion as signs that recent reforms are beginning to pay off.
In his New Year address to the nation on Thursday, the President said the fiscal, monetary and structural reforms implemented throughout 2025 had helped stabilise key economic indicators despite global economic pressures. He assured Nigerians that his administration would deepen reforms in the new year, with a focus on tax harmonisation, infrastructure development, improved security and inclusive growth.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria ended 2025 on a positive economic note, recording consistent quarterly GDP growth, with annual growth projected to exceed four per cent. He noted that inflation had declined to below 15 per cent, trade surpluses were sustained and exchange rate stability improved.
He also highlighted strong performance in the capital market, revealing that the Nigerian Stock Exchange gained over 48 per cent in 2025, while foreign reserves rose to $45.4 billion by the end of the year, strengthening the country’s buffer against external shocks.
The President said investor confidence was gradually returning, with foreign direct investment rising sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, compared to $90 million in the previous quarter. He attributed this to renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which he said had been recognised by global credit rating agencies.
On fiscal matters, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discipline and tax reforms, stressing that the harmonisation of taxes across all tiers of government would reduce multiple taxation and ease the burden on citizens and businesses. He said the reforms were designed to create a fairer and more competitive tax system capable of funding infrastructure and social development.
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Addressing security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups but said decisive actions, including recent operations in the Northwest and Northeast, had been taken. He pledged stronger collaboration with international partners and renewed efforts to protect lives and property in 2026.
Tinubu also outlined plans to accelerate inclusive growth through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to empower at least 10 million Nigerians by creating economic opportunities at the grassroots. He said investments in roads, power, ports, rail, healthcare, education and agriculture would continue without interruption.
The President concluded by calling on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism and shared responsibility, expressing confidence that collective effort would make 2026 a year of peace, stability and improved living standards for the country.
