President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the start of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, pledging to further reduce inflation, strengthen foreign reserves and sustain the country’s positive GDP growth trajectory.
In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President expressed confidence that the nation was turning a corner, saying the sacrifices made in recent years were beginning to yield measurable results.
According to Tinubu, 2025 was a year of major reforms, fiscal reset and steady economic progress, achieved despite difficult global conditions. He said Nigeria recorded tangible gains that showed the economy was moving in the right direction.
“These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are producing results, with more benefits ahead for the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.
The President disclosed that Nigeria ended 2025 on a strong footing, with annualised GDP growth expected to exceed four per cent. He added that trade surpluses were sustained, exchange rate stability improved and inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent.
“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the gains of reform reach every Nigerian household,” Tinubu stated.
He also highlighted the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which recorded a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, as well as the growth in foreign reserves, which stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025. The reserves, he said, provided a strong buffer against external shocks and were expected to rise further.
Foreign direct investment, according to the President, rebounded strongly, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
On fiscal policy, Tinubu said the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill underscored his administration’s commitment to long-term stability and prosperity. He noted that as inflation and interest rates moderate, the government expects more fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital development.
He commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda, stressing that the new phase of tax reforms is aimed at building a fair, competitive and sustainable fiscal framework.
Addressing security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups but said significant progress had been made through coordinated efforts with international partners. He disclosed that joint actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest late in 2025, with sustained military operations continuing across affected regions.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security,” he said, reiterating his support for decentralised policing and properly regulated forest guards.
Tinubu also announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through agriculture, trade, mining and other grassroots economic activities. He assured that investments in roads, power, ports, rail, healthcare, education and food security would continue.
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Calling on Nigerians to work together, the President described nation-building as a shared responsibility that requires unity, patriotism and integrity.
Meanwhile, political leaders across the country echoed the call for unity and resilience. Governors, lawmakers and party leaders urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, support reforms and actively engage in governance and the democratic process ahead of future elections.
Religious and political figures also appealed for peace, accountability and responsible leadership, stressing that collective effort and vigilance are essential to overcoming Nigeria’s economic and security challenges in the year ahead.
