PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, expressing confidence that the reforms undertaken by his administration are beginning to yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
News Point Nigeria reports that in his New Year message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, the President said the country closed 2025 on a strong economic footing despite persistent global economic headwinds, adding that his administration would consolidate gains already recorded while pursuing inclusive growth, improved security, and fiscal discipline.
Welcoming Nigerians to the new year, Tinubu expressed gratitude to God and reaffirmed his belief in the nation’s collective resolve to build a more prosperous, resilient, and stable country.
According to the President, Nigeria recorded steady and measurable economic progress in 2025 following a fiscal reset and the continuation of major structural reforms.
He disclosed that the country achieved robust quarterly GDP growth throughout the year, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent. Tinubu also noted that Nigeria maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and recorded a steady decline in inflation, which fell below 15 per cent in line with government targets.
“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” the President said.
Tinubu highlighted the strong performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which recorded a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023. He said the performance reflected growing investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
On external reserves, the President disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira against external shocks, with expectations of further strengthening in the new year.
Foreign direct investment also recorded significant growth, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter. Tinubu attributed the surge to renewed investor confidence, which he said has been acknowledged by global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
The President said his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline and long-term economic stability. He recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasising that critical reforms are laying the foundation for sustained prosperity.
With inflation and interest rates moderating, Tinubu said the government expects increased fiscal space to invest in infrastructure and human capital development.
He also addressed the challenge of multiple taxation across the federation, commending states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting unified tax laws to reduce the burden of levies and fees on citizens and businesses.
According to him, 2026 marks a critical phase in the implementation of tax reforms designed to create a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal framework capable of sustainably financing infrastructure and social investments.
Tinubu acknowledged that economic progress must go hand in hand with security and peace, noting that Nigeria continues to face threats from criminal and terrorist elements.
He disclosed that, in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, with sustained military operations continuing across the Northwest and Northeast.
The President said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security.
He also reiterated his support for a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of a broader strategy to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges.
Tinubu said the new year would witness accelerated implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at empowering at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and bringing no fewer than 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.
He said agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining would be prioritised to stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.
The President further pledged continued investment in infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture, stressing that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption.
Calling on Nigerians to support his administration’s agenda, Tinubu stressed that nation-building is a shared responsibility that requires unity, patriotism, and integrity.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part,” he said, urging citizens to be better stewards of the nation and uphold the values of responsibility and service.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, while praying for divine protection for the country and its security forces.