President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria is entering a “more robust phase of economic growth” in 2026, citing declining inflation, strong foreign reserves and renewed investor confidence as evidence that his administration's reforms are beginning to yield results.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on Wednesday, Tinubu said 2025 closed on a “strong note” despite global economic adversities, adding that the government will focus on consolidating gains in the new year and ensuring that the benefits of the recovery reach households across the country.
According to the President, Nigeria recorded consecutive quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annual growth expected to exceed four percent. He said inflation has steadily declined to below 15 percent, meeting the government's target, while trade surpluses and greater exchange rate stability have been maintained.
Tinubu also pointed to the strong performance in the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a gain of 48.12 percent in 2025, extending the uptrend that started 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, describing it as an “ample buffer” against external shocks to the Naira. He said foreign direct investment increased sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter, reflecting new investor confidence and positive assessments from international credit rating agencies.
Also read: Tinubu says FDI to increase to $720 million by Q3 2025 as reforms boost investor confidence
Turning to fiscal policy, Tinubu said his administration will accelerate tax reforms in 2026, with a focus on reducing multiple taxation and harmonizing taxes across all levels of government to reduce the burden on citizens and businesses. He said softening of inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital investment.
The President also addressed security, acknowledging continued threats from terrorist and criminal groups. He confirmed that, in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, Nigerian forces carried out attacks on terrorist targets in parts of the north-west on 24 December, with continued operations in the north-west and north-east.
In 2026, he said, security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners, while the government will continue to explore decentralized policing and regulated forest guards as part of efforts to combat banditry and terrorism.
On social development, Tinubu said the government will accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, with the goal of empowering at least 10 million Nigerians by supporting at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards in the country. He said priority would be given to agriculture, trade, food processing and mining to stimulate the local economy while continuing to invest in infrastructure including roads, power, ports, railways, healthcare and education.
The President concluded his address with a call for unity, urging Nigerians to support nation-building efforts and maintain patriotism and integrity in the coming year.
“I wish you all a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year,” he said. “May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country.”
