President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the start of a stronger and more resilient phase of economic growth for Nigeria, assuring citizens that recent reforms are yielding results and that greater benefits lie ahead for ordinary Nigerians.
In his New Year goodwill message to the nation on Wednesday, the President welcomed Nigerians into 2026 with optimism, attributing the country’s renewed momentum to tough but necessary economic decisions taken over the past year.
“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, our citizens, and all who call Nigeria home,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, the President noted that 2025 was marked by a fiscal reset and sustained reforms, despite global economic pressures. According to him, the country recorded “tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy,” reinforcing confidence that Nigeria is on the right path.
Looking ahead, Tinubu said the focus in 2026 would be on consolidating gains and strengthening a resilient, inclusive, and growth-driven economy. He disclosed that Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong footing, recording robust quarterly GDP growth, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent.
“We maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability. Inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target,” he said, adding that government is determined to reduce inflation further in the new year so that “the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household.”
The President also highlighted strong performance in the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, extending a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On external reserves, Tinubu said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, describing it as a solid buffer against external shocks to the naira. He expressed optimism that the position would strengthen further in 2026.
Foreign direct investment also showed signs of recovery, with Tinubu revealing that FDI rose to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up sharply from $90 million in the preceding quarter. He said the increase reflected renewed investor confidence, which has been acknowledged by global rating agencies including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s.
Addressing fiscal discipline and taxation, the President recalled his recent presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, where he stressed that reforms were laying “a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.”
“With patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth,” Tinubu said.
He pledged to tackle the challenge of multiple taxation and commended states that have adopted harmonised tax laws to ease the burden on citizens and businesses. According to him, the new year represents a critical phase in implementing tax reforms aimed at building “a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.”
On security, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups but assured Nigerians of government’s resolve. He referenced coordinated actions with international partners, including operations against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, and ongoing military campaigns across the Northwest and Northeast.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security,” he said, reiterating his support for decentralised policing with appropriate safeguards, alongside regulated forest guards.
The President also outlined plans for inclusive growth, describing 2026 as “the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people.” He said the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme would be accelerated to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering no fewer than 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards.
Tinubu said government would continue investing in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, power, transport and food security, assuring Nigerians that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption.
In a call for unity, the President reminded citizens that nation-building is a shared responsibility.
“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles,” he said.
Tinubu concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous new year, praying for divine protection for the nation and safety for the armed forces.
“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. Happy New Year to you all.”
