President Bola Tinubu says 2026 will mark the commencement of a more robust phase of economic growth, with his administration committed to ensuring that the benefits of ongoing reforms reach every Nigerian household.
In his New Year goodwill message, Tinubu said the country closed 2025 with measurable economic gains despite global headwinds, adding that the reforms undertaken were “difficult but necessary” steps towards long-term prosperity.
The president said Nigeria recorded steady GDP growth across all quarters in 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four percent, alongside trade surpluses, improved exchange rate stability, and a steady decline in inflation.
“We are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” he said.
Tinubu said inflation declined to below 15 percent by the end of 2025, while the Nigerian Exchange recorded a 48.12 percent gain, outperforming its peers and consolidating a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
He added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks, with expectations of further improvement in the new year.
The president also said foreign direct investment rose to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter, attributing the increase to renewed investor confidence affirmed by global credit rating agencies.
On fiscal discipline, Tinubu said his administration had laid a solid foundation for long-term stability through reforms, including tax harmonisation aimed at ending multiple taxation across all tiers 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.
Tinubu said the reforms are intended to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions, and strengthen the government’s capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that would deliver shared prosperity.
On security, the president said economic progress must go hand in hand with peace and stability, noting that decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the north-west on December 24, in collaboration with international partners.
He said the armed forces have sustained operations against terror networks across the north-west and north-east, adding that security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026.
Tinubu reiterated his support for decentralised policing with safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry.
On inclusive growth, the president said his administration would accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through grassroots economic activities across the country’s 8,809 wards.
He said investments in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and transport would continue without interruption to strengthen food security and improve the quality of life.
“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.
“Fellow Nigerians, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability.”
