President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 will usher Nigeria into what he described as “a more robust phase of economic growth,” insisting that the reforms undertaken in the past year are already delivering measurable gains and setting the stage for broader prosperity.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, the President said the country closed 2025 on a strong economic footing despite global headwinds, stressing that the difficult policy choices made by his administration were beginning to yield concrete results for the economy and investors alike.
“I welcome you all to 2026, with gratitude to God and confidence in our collective resolve that this new year will be a more prosperous one for our nation,” Tinubu said, adding that “The difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian.”
The President said Nigeria recorded consistent GDP growth throughout 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent, even as the government pursued policies aimed at taming inflation.
“We maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability,” he noted, adding that inflation “declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target.”
Tinubu said his administration is determined to push inflation lower in 2026 to ensure that the benefits of reform are felt in Nigerian homes.
He also pointed to the strong performance of the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, extending the bullish momentum that began in mid-2023.
“Our foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the naira,” the President said, saying that “We expect this position to strengthen further in the new year.”
Tinubu said foreign investors were responding positively to Nigeria’s reform trajectory, revealing that foreign direct investment rose sharply in the third quarter of 2025.
“In Q3 2025, FDI increased to $720 million from $90 million in the preceding quarter,” he said, attributing the rebound to renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.
He added that global rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, had “consistently affirmed and applauded” Nigeria’s reform efforts.
On fiscal policy, the President said the new year marks a critical phase in implementing tax reforms designed to harmonise Nigeria’s tax system and reduce the burden of multiple taxation on citizens and businesses.
“The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” Tinubu said, explaining that “By harmonising our tax system, we aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments.”
He commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda, noting that excessive levies and fees had weighed heavily on Nigerians and basic consumption.
While highlighting economic progress, Tinubu stressed that reforms must go hand in hand with improved security, revealing that Nigerian forces had intensified operations against terrorist and criminal elements.
“Our Armed Forces have sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast,” he said, referencing coordinated actions with international partners, including the United States, against terrorist targets in December 2025.
Looking ahead, Tinubu said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026.
He also reiterated his support for decentralised policing, properly regulated forest guards and stronger accountability frameworks to tackle terrorism and banditry.
The President said inclusive growth would be the defining feature of 2026, announcing plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
“We aim to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country,” he said.
According to Tinubu, agriculture, trade, food processing and mining will be key drivers of grassroots economic expansion, alongside sustained investments in infrastructure spanning roads, power, ports, railways, airports, healthcare and education.
“All ongoing projects will continue without interruption,” he assured.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism and collective responsibility, stressing that nation-building requires the commitment of all citizens.
“Nation-building is a shared responsibility,” he said, urging, “Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation.”
The President wished Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year, pledging that his administration would remain focused on restoring security, strengthening the economy and delivering lasting national stability.
