President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 will usher in a stronger and more stable phase of economic growth, expressing confidence that the gains recorded from ongoing reforms will translate into improved living conditions for citizens across the country.
In his New Year address to the nation, the President said the reforms implemented by his administration in the past year had begun to yield measurable results, despite prevailing global economic challenges, and would be consolidated further in 2026.
Tinubu noted that 2025 was marked by significant fiscal and economic adjustments aimed at resetting the economy, adding that the country recorded steady progress in key macroeconomic indicators.
According to him, Nigeria closed 2025 on a positive note, with consistent quarterly growth in Gross Domestic Product and an annual growth rate projected to exceed four per cent. He also disclosed that the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved improved exchange rate stability and recorded a steady decline in inflation.
The President said inflation fell to below 15 per cent by the end of 2025, aligning with government targets, and pledged that efforts would be intensified in the new year to reduce it further and ensure that the benefits of reforms reach Nigerian households.
He further stated that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted strong performance in 2025, gaining over 48 per cent and sustaining the bullish trend that began in the latter half of 2023.
On external reserves, Tinubu revealed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, describing the figure as a solid buffer against external shocks and expressing optimism that the position would strengthen in 2026.
The President also pointed to renewed investor confidence, noting that foreign direct investment rose sharply in the third quarter of 2025 to $720 million, compared to $90 million in the previous quarter. He added that Nigeria’s economic direction had received positive assessments from international credit rating agencies.
Tinubu recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, stressing that the budget was anchored on reforms aimed at laying a durable foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
He said the government would continue to pursue tax reforms in 2026, with emphasis on harmonising taxes across all tiers of government to reduce multiple taxation and ease the burden on citizens and businesses. He commended states that have adopted harmonised tax laws in line with the national tax reform agenda.
On security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups but said decisive actions had been taken, including recent operations against terrorist enclaves in parts of the North-West. He assured Nigerians that security agencies would intensify collaboration with regional and international partners in 2026 to safeguard lives and property.
Tinubu reiterated his support for decentralised policing, with appropriate safeguards, as well as the deployment of properly regulated forest guards to address insecurity nationwide.
Looking ahead, the President said 2026 would mark a critical stage in delivering tangible improvements to citizens’ lives, highlighting plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. He explained that the initiative aims to empower at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards through agriculture, trade, mining and food processing.
He added that investments in infrastructure including roads, power, rail, ports, airports, healthcare and education would continue without disruption to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism and shared responsibility in nation-building, urging citizens to support government efforts and contribute positively to national development.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic growth, security and national stability.
