President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing gains recorded in 2025 from ongoing fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms.
In his New Year message made available to Naijaonpoint, the President said the country closed 2025 on a strong economic footing despite global headwinds, noting that the difficult reforms undertaken by his administration are beginning to deliver measurable results for the economy and ordinary citizens.
Economic Gains and 2026 Outlook
Tinubu said Nigeria recorded consistent GDP growth in every quarter of 2025, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent. According to him, the country also maintained trade surpluses, achieved improved exchange rate stability, and saw inflation decline steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with government targets.
He added that the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed many global peers in 2025, posting a 48.12 per cent gain and extending the bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023.
The President said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4bn as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira against external shocks, with expectations of further improvement in 2026.
On investment, Tinubu disclosed that foreign direct investment rose sharply to $720m in the third quarter of 2025 from $90m in the previous quarter, attributing the increase to renewed investor confidence. He noted that global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, have continued to affirm Nigeria’s economic direction.
Fiscal Discipline and Tax Reforms
The President referenced the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, stressing that fiscal discipline remains central to achieving long-term stability and growth.
He said moderating inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space for investments in infrastructure and human capital. Tinubu also addressed multiple taxation, commending states that have adopted harmonised tax laws aligned with the national tax reform agenda to reduce the burden of levies and fees on citizens and businesses.
According to him, 2026 will be a critical year for implementing tax reforms to build a fair, competitive, and sustainable revenue system capable of funding infrastructure and social development.
Security and National Stability
Tinubu acknowledged ongoing security challenges, noting that economic progress must go hand in hand with peace and stability.
He said Nigerian security forces, working with international partners including the United States, carried out decisive operations against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, with sustained military actions continuing across the Northwest and Northeast.
The President said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026, reaffirming his support for decentralised policing and the deployment of properly regulated forest guards to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.
Inclusive Growth and Social Development
Tinubu said the government would accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, with a target of empowering at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, bringing about 10 million citizens into productive economic activity.
He added that agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining would be prioritised to stimulate local economies, while investments would continue in roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture. He assured that all ongoing infrastructure projects would continue without disruption.
Call for Unity
The President urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility in nation-building, stressing that collective effort is required to achieve the government’s goals in 2026.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, praying for continued peace, security, and protection for the country and its armed forces.