President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will mark the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing improved macroeconomic indicators, fiscal reforms, and renewed investor confidence.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President said the country closed 2025 with “tangible and measurable gains” despite global economic headwinds, adding that key reforms undertaken by his administration were beginning to yield results.
Economic Performance
According to Tinubu, Nigeria recorded consistent quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annual growth projected to exceed 4 per cent. He said inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, while exchange rate stability improved and trade surpluses were maintained.
The President noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, outperforming regional peers and extending a bullish trend that began in late 2023.
He also disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, describing it as a strong buffer against external shocks. Foreign direct investment, he added, rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the previous quarter.
Fiscal Discipline and Tax Reforms
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and tax reform, referencing the recently presented 2026 Appropriation Bill.
He said the government was working to harmonise taxes across all tiers of government to reduce the burden of multiple taxation on citizens and businesses.
He explained that the reforms are aimed at building a fair and competitive tax system, increasing sustainable revenue, and expanding fiscal space for infrastructure and social investments as inflation and interest rates moderate.
Security and Stability
On security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from terrorist and criminal groups, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast. He confirmed that Nigerian forces, with support from international partners including the United States, carried out operations against terrorist targets on December 24 and have continued sustained offensives.
Tinubu said security agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 and reiterated his support for decentralised policing and regulated forest guards as part of efforts to address insecurity.
Inclusive Growth Agenda
The President announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through economic activities across the country’s 8,809 wards.
He said the government would continue investing in agriculture, trade, food processing, mining, and critical infrastructure, including roads, power, railways, ports, healthcare, education, and food security, assuring that all ongoing projects would continue uninterrupted.
Call for Unity
Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility in nation-building, stressing that sustainable growth requires collective effort.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives, property, and national stability.
Bello Wakili