By Ihechi Enyinnaya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing gains recorded from ongoing reforms and improved macroeconomic indicators despite global economic challenges.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, the President said the country sustained momentum on key reforms in 2025, including a fiscal reset, which yielded “tangible and measurable gains,” particularly in the economy. He noted that the reforms, though difficult, are beginning to deliver concrete results for ordinary Nigerians.
He said Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic footing, recording robust GDP growth in every quarter, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent. He said the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and saw inflation decline steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with government targets.
The President also highlighted strong performance in the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, outperforming its peers and extending a bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023. He added that foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a solid buffer against external shocks and supporting the stability of the naira.
Tinubu said foreign direct investment responded positively to the reform agenda, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter. He attributed the increase to renewed investor confidence, which he said has been affirmed by global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
On fiscal policy, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to discipline and tax reform, describing 2026 as a critical phase in implementing measures aimed at building a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation. He said the government is confronting the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government and commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda to reduce the burden of taxes, levies, and fees on citizens and businesses.
Tinubu also addressed national security, stressing that economic progress must be accompanied by peace and stability. He disclosed that decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, in collaboration with international partners, including the United States. He said security operations against terrorist and criminal networks would be intensified in 2026, alongside deeper cooperation with regional and global partners.
The President reaffirmed his support for a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
On inclusive growth, Tinubu announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, with a target of bringing 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. He said the programme would focus on agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining to stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.
He added that the government would continue investing in critical infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture, assuring Nigerians that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, the President urged Nigerians to uphold patriotism, integrity, and a collective commitment to nation-building. He wished citizens a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, while reaffirming his commitment to protecting lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.