President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, expressing optimism that ongoing reforms will translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians, the President said the country closed 2025 with sustained reform momentum, a fiscal reset, and measurable economic gains despite persistent global economic headwinds. He noted that the outcomes of the administration’s “difficult but necessary” reforms are increasingly evident and are positioning the economy for stronger performance.
Reviewing economic indicators, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria recorded robust quarterly GDP growth throughout 2025, with annual growth projected to exceed four per cent. He said trade surpluses were maintained, exchange rate stability improved, and inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with government targets.
He added that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, outperforming many of its peers and extending a bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023. Foreign reserves, supported by sound monetary policy, stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks and expected to improve further in 2026.
According to the President, foreign direct investment also recorded a significant rebound, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter. He attributed the increase to renewed investor confidence, which has been affirmed by global credit rating agencies including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s.
On fiscal discipline, President Tinubu recalled the recent presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, stressing that tax and fiscal reforms are laying the foundation for long-term stability. He said the administration is addressing the problem of multiple taxation and commended states that have adopted harmonised tax laws to reduce the burden on citizens and businesses.
The President described 2026 as a critical year for implementing tax reforms aimed at building a fair, competitive and sustainable revenue system capable of financing infrastructure and social investments.
Addressing security, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups, but said decisive actions were taken in collaboration with international partners, including operations against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest in December 2025. He assured Nigerians that security agencies would intensify efforts in 2026, deepen international cooperation and protect lives, property and national territorial integrity. He also reiterated support for decentralised policing with appropriate safeguards.
On inclusive growth, the President announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through ward-level economic activities across the country. He said the administration would continue investing in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, power, transport and food security, with all ongoing projects to proceed without interruption.
President Tinubu concluded with a call for national unity and shared responsibility, urging Nigerians to uphold patriotism, integrity and collective commitment to nation-building, while wishing citizens a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year.
