Isaac Samuel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will mark the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, assuring citizens that the pains associated with recent reforms are yielding tangible results and that further gains are imminent.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians, the President said the country ended 2025 on a strong economic footing despite global headwinds, stressing that the administration’s fiscal, monetary and structural reforms were laying the foundation for long-term stability and shared prosperity.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, the President noted that 2025 was characterised by a fiscal reset and steady economic progress, arguing that the difficult reforms undertaken by his administration were necessary to reposition the economy
“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.
“During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress. Despite persistent global economic headwinds, we recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy,” Tinubu said.
According to Tinubu, the reforms have begun to deliver concrete outcomes for ordinary Nigerians.
The President disclosed that Nigeria recorded robust quarterly GDP growth throughout 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent.
“These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian,” he added.
Economic performance
“We closed 2025 on a strong note. Despite the policies to fight inflation, Nigeria recorded a robust GDP growth each quarter, with annualised growth expected to exceed 4 per cent for the year.
He added that the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and made significant progress in taming inflation.
“Inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target. In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” he added.
Tinubu also highlighted the performance of the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, outperforming its peers and sustaining a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On external buffers, the President said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, attributing the position to sound monetary policy management.
Tinubu said foreign direct investment responded positively to the reforms, citing a sharp rise in inflows during the third quarter of 2025.
“In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720 million, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction,” he said.
He added that global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, have consistently affirmed and applauded Nigeria’s reform trajectory
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and tax reforms, noting that the 2026 Appropriation Bill was designed to consolidate gains and expand productive investment.
He stressed that moderating inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital development, while condemning the burden of multiple taxation across the country.
The President said: “With patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth.
“We are also confronting the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government,” he said, commending states that have adopted harmonised tax laws.
“The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,”.
On security, the President acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups, particularly in the North-West and North-East, but said decisive actions were taken in collaboration with international partners.
Tinubu disclosed that military operations have been sustained against terror networks and criminal strongholds, while calling for structural reforms in policing.
“In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.
“I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges,”
The President said 2026 would witness accelerated implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at empowering at least 10 million Nigerians.
“We aim to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country,” he said.
He added that agriculture, trade, food processing and mining would be prioritised to stimulate grassroots economies, alongside sustained investment in infrastructure.
The President concluded with a call for unity, patriotism and shared responsibility.
“Nation-building is a shared responsibility. We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity,” he said.
Tinubu wished Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous new year, praying for divine protection for the country and its security 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,” he said.
