President Tinubu is optimistic of 2026 stronger economic growth in new year speech.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism that Nigeria will enter a more robust phase of economic growth in 2026, citing improvements in inflation, foreign reserves, and rising investment inflows as evidence that his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
The President stated this in his New Year address to Nigerians on Thursday, noting that the fiscal, monetary, and structural policies implemented in 2025 helped stabilise the economy despite prevailing global economic challenges.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria recorded steady GDP growth throughout 2025, maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and saw inflation decline to below 15 per cent. He added that foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira, while foreign direct investment rose significantly in the third quarter of the year.
The President also highlighted the strong performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, and said global credit rating agencies had affirmed renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
Looking ahead, Tinubu pledged to deepen tax reforms, expand infrastructure investment, and maintain fiscal discipline to create more space for productive spending. He said efforts would continue to address multiple taxation and harmonise tax laws across all tiers of government to reduce the burden on citizens and businesses.
On security, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities through sustained military operations and enhanced cooperation with regional and international partners. He also reiterated support for decentralised policing and properly regulated forest guards to strengthen national security.
Tinubu further promised to accelerate inclusive growth initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at empowering at least 10 million Nigerians through agriculture, trade, food processing, mining, and other productive sectors.
He called on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility in nation-building, expressing confidence that 2026 would bring tangible improvements to the lives of citizens.
The President concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year.