….Need for decentralized police reiterated
President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is responding positively to the ongoing economic reforms of the Federal Government, increasing to $720 million by the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter.
He also assured that if reforms continue and are strengthened, Nigeria will emerge stronger in 2026.
The President in his New Year message said the growth reflects investors' renewed confidence in Nigeria's economic direction, which has been consistently confirmed by global credit rating agencies including Moody's, Fitch and Standard & Poor's.
President Tinubu said his administration has implemented significant reforms aimed at laying solid foundations for long-term stability and prosperity.
Also read: Tinubu says new tax laws will come into effect from January 1
“With patience, fiscal discipline and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge stronger and better positioned for sustained growth in 2026,” he said.
With policies aimed at reducing inflation and lowering interest rates, the President expressed optimism that increased fiscal space will be created for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
He said his tax policies aim to address the challenge of multiple taxation at all levels of government.
However, he commended states that have aligned with the national tax reconciliation agenda by adopting harmonized tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies and duties on citizens and basic consumption.
“The new year marks an important stage in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive and strong fiscal foundation for Nigeria. By harmonizing our tax system, we aim to sustainably grow revenues, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our ability to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity,” he said.
The President said the nation continues to face security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt the Nigerian way of life.
He said, “With the cooperation of international partners, including the United States, decisive action was taken against terrorist cells in parts of the northwest on December 24. Our armed forces have since conducted sustained operations against terrorist networks and criminal strongholds in the northwest and northeast.”
Encouraged by these successes, President Tinubu assured that the security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security.
“We are committed to protecting life, property and the territorial integrity of our country,” he said.
The President also reiterated his belief that a decentralized police system, complemented by properly regulated forest guards with appropriate security measures and based on accountability, is key to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry and related security challenges.
On food security, President Tinubu said the government is implementing policies in agriculture, trade, food processing and mining to stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.
On infrastructure, he said his administration will continue to invest in modernizing Nigeria's infrastructure, roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, health care, education and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve the quality of life.
He assured that all ongoing projects will continue without any interruption.
President Tinubu described nation-building as a “shared responsibility” and called on Nigerians to unite with unity and purpose, maintain patriotism and serve the country with honor and integrity in their respective roles.
“Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbors and better stewards of our country,” he said.
