President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, assuring citizens that the economic reforms undertaken by his administration are yielding measurable results and will increasingly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, the President expressed gratitude to God for the successful transition into the new year and reaffirmed confidence in the nation’s collective resolve to build a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive economy.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, President Tinubu said 2025 was a period of sustained reform momentum, marked by a fiscal reset and steady economic progress despite persistent global economic headwinds. He noted that the gains recorded reaffirmed the administration’s belief that the difficult but necessary reforms embarked upon are moving Nigeria in the right direction, with more tangible outcomes expected in the near future.
Strong Economic Performance and Outlook
According to the President, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic footing, recording robust GDP growth in every quarter of the year, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent. He said the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and successfully brought inflation down to below 15 per cent in line with government targets.
President Tinubu pledged that his administration would intensify efforts in 2026 to further reduce inflation and ensure that the benefits of economic reforms reach every Nigerian household.
He also highlighted the strong performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which he said outperformed its peers in 2025 by posting a 48.12 per cent gain, consolidating a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On external buffers, the President disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial cushion against external shocks to the naira. He expressed optimism that the reserves position would strengthen further in the new year, supported by sound monetary policy management.
Foreign direct investment, Tinubu said, also showed significant improvement, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter. He attributed the increase to renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, noting that global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s have consistently affirmed and applauded the country’s reform trajectory.
Fiscal Discipline and Tax Reforms
Turning to fiscal policy, the President recalled his recent presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, where he emphasised that critical reforms implemented by his administration are laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
He said with patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria would emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth. As inflation and interest rates moderate, the President explained, government expects increased fiscal space to invest productively in infrastructure and human capital development.
President Tinubu also addressed the long-standing issue of multiple taxation, describing it as a burden on citizens and businesses. He commended state governments that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws to reduce excessive taxes, levies, and fees on basic consumption.
He described 2026 as a critical phase in the implementation of tax reforms aimed at building a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for the country. According to him, harmonising the tax system will help raise revenue sustainably, correct fiscal distortions, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments needed to deliver shared prosperity.
Security and National Stability
The President stressed that economic progress must go hand in hand with peace and security, acknowledging the persistent threats posed by criminal and terrorist elements across parts of the country.
He disclosed that, in collaboration with international partners including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, 2025. He said the Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.
Looking ahead, Tinubu said security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate all threats to national security. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The President also reiterated his support for a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, describing the approach as critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
Inclusive Growth and Social Development
President Tinubu said the new year would usher in a more inclusive phase of growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering a minimum of 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards.
He said the programme would stimulate local economies through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, while expanding grassroots economic opportunities nationwide.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture. He assured Nigerians that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption, with a focus on strengthening food security and improving quality of life.
Call for Unity and Shared Responsibility
In a call for national unity, President Tinubu reminded Nigerians that nation-building is a shared responsibility requiring patriotism, integrity, and collective effort.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part,” he said, urging citizens to stand together in unity and purpose and to serve the nation honourably in their respective roles.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, praying for God’s continued blessings and protection over the country, the safety of Nigerian troops, and the defeat of forces bent on disrupting national peace and stability.