President Bola Tinubu says 2026 will usher in stronger economic growth as ongoing reforms are expected to benefit households across Nigeria.
In a New Year goodwill message, the president said Nigeria ended 2025 with tangible economic improvements despite global pressures.
Tinubu described the reforms as “difficult but necessary” steps toward sustainable prosperity.
The president said the economy recorded consistent growth in all quarters of 2025, with full-year expansion projected to surpass four percent alongside trade surpluses, improved exchange-rate stability, and easing inflation.
“We are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” he said.
Tinubu said inflation fell to below 15 percent by the close of 2025, while the Nigerian Exchange posted a 48.12 percent gain, outperforming comparable markets and extending a rally that began in the second half of 2023.
He added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose to $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, strengthening buffers against external shocks with expectations of further growth in the coming year.
The president said foreign direct investment climbed to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter, attributing the surge to renewed investor confidence supported by global credit rating agencies.
On fiscal management, Tinubu said his administration had established a solid base for long-term stability through reforms such as tax harmonisation to eliminate multiple taxation across different levels of government.
“The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the reforms aim to sustainably boost revenue, correct fiscal imbalances, and enhance the government’s ability to fund infrastructure and social investments for shared prosperity.
On security, Tinubu said economic advancement must align with peace and stability, noting that decisive strikes were carried out against terrorist targets in parts of the north-west on December 24 with support from international partners.
He said the armed forces have maintained pressure on terror groups in the north-west and north-east, adding that security and intelligence agencies would strengthen collaboration with regional and global partners in 2026.
The president reiterated support for decentralised policing with safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of measures to combat terrorism and banditry.
On inclusive development, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme would be accelerated to empower at least 10 million Nigerians through grassroots economic initiatives across the country’s 8,809 wards.
He said uninterrupted investments in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and transport would continue to enhance food security and improve living standards.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility,” Tinubu added.
“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles.
“Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation.”