Abuja, January 1, 2026 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will mark the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing improved macroeconomic indicators, fiscal reforms, and renewed investor confidence.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on Wednesday, the President said the country closed 2025 with “tangible and measurable gains” despite global economic headwinds, noting that key reforms implemented by his administration were beginning to yield results.
Economic Performance
President Tinubu highlighted consistent quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annual growth projected to exceed 4 per cent. Inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, while exchange rate stability improved and trade surpluses were maintained.
He also noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, outperforming regional peers and continuing a bullish trend that began in late 2023. Meanwhile, foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, providing a strong buffer against external shocks.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) rose sharply to $720 million in Q3 2025, up from $90 million in the previous quarter, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country.
Fiscal Discipline and Tax Reforms
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, Tinubu pointed to the recently presented 2026 Appropriation Bill. He said efforts were ongoing to harmonise taxes across all tiers of government, reducing the burden of multiple taxation on citizens and businesses.
The reforms aim to build a fair and competitive tax system, increase sustainable revenue, and expand fiscal space for infrastructure and social investments, as inflation and interest rates continue to moderate.
Security and Stability
On security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from terrorist and criminal groups, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast. He confirmed that Nigerian forces, with support from international partners including the United States, carried out operations against terrorist targets on December 24, 2025, and have continued sustained offensives.
Tinubu pledged that security agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 and reiterated support for decentralised policing and regulated forest guards as part of efforts to address insecurity.
Inclusive Growth Agenda
The President announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through economic activities across the country’s 8,809 wards.
He assured Nigerians that the government would continue investing in agriculture, trade, food processing, mining, and critical infrastructure, including roads, power, railways, ports, healthcare, education, and food security, and that all ongoing projects would proceed uninterrupted.
Call for Unity
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility, stressing that sustainable growth requires collective effort. He wished Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives, property, and national stability.