President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in a stronger phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing easing inflation, improved foreign reserves, rising investor confidence and sustained GDP expansion as signs that recent reforms are beginning to pay off.
In his New Year broadcast on Thursday, the President said the fiscal, monetary and structural reforms implemented in 2025 helped stabilise key economic indicators despite global economic pressures. He pledged to deepen tax reforms, expand infrastructure investment, strengthen security efforts and accelerate inclusive growth programmes to improve living standards nationwide.
Tinubu said Nigeria ended 2025 on a positive note, recording steady quarterly GDP growth with annual expansion projected to exceed four per cent. According to him, inflation declined to below 15 per cent, exchange rate stability improved, and trade surpluses were maintained. He added that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, reflecting renewed market confidence.
The President noted that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks, while foreign direct investment rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of the year. He said global credit rating agencies had also responded positively to the country’s reform agenda.
On fiscal discipline, Tinubu said the implementation of tax reforms in 2026 would focus on harmonising taxes across all tiers of government to reduce multiple taxation, improve revenue generation and create space for infrastructure and social investments. He commended states that had aligned with the national tax harmonisation initiative.
Addressing security, the President said economic progress must go hand in hand with peace and stability. He highlighted ongoing military operations against terrorist and criminal groups, as well as increased cooperation with international partners. Tinubu reiterated his support for decentralised policing and regulated forest guards as part of a broader strategy to tackle insecurity.
On inclusive growth, Tinubu announced plans to scale up the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through agriculture, trade, mining and local enterprise development. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing major infrastructure projects in roads, power, ports, rail, healthcare and education.
The President concluded by calling on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism and shared responsibility in nation-building, expressing confidence that collective effort would help the country achieve peace, stability and prosperity in the new year.
