President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the year 2026 marks the commencement of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria. In his New Year address to the nation on January 1, 2026, the President expressed confidence that the new year would bring greater prosperity to the country and its citizens.
Consolidating 2025 Economic Gains
The President began by reflecting on the economic progress made in 2025, stating that his administration sustained momentum on major reforms despite global challenges. He highlighted that Nigeria recorded a robust GDP growth each quarter, with annualised growth expected to exceed 4 per cent for the year. This was achieved alongside a fiscal reset and steady economic progress.
Inflation, a major concern for households, declined steadily throughout 2025, reaching below 15 per cent in line with government targets. The administration also maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability. A significant buffer was provided by the nation's foreign reserves, which stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange emerged as a standout performer, posting a robust 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating a bullish run that began in mid-2023. Furthermore, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) showed a strong positive response, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter. Tinubu attributed this to renewed investor confidence, which has been affirmed by global credit rating agencies like Moody's, Fitch, and Standard & Poor's.
2026 Agenda: Tax Reforms, Security, and Grassroots Development
Looking ahead, President Tinubu emphasised that the focus for 2026 is on consolidating these gains and building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy. A key pillar of this agenda is the implementation of comprehensive tax reforms. The President commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda, aiming to reduce the excessive burden of multiple taxes, levies, and fees on citizens and basic consumption.
On security, the President acknowledged the ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist elements. He revealed that in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24. He reiterated his belief in a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by regulated forest guards, as critical to addressing terrorism and banditry.
For grassroots economic stimulation, the administration will accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. The ambitious plan aims to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the country's 8,809 wards. This will be driven through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining.
Sustained Investment in National Infrastructure
President Tinubu assured that his government will continue to invest in modernising Nigeria's critical infrastructure without interruption. This includes ongoing projects in:
- Roads and Railways
- Power and Pipelines
- Ports and Airports
- Healthcare and Education
- Agriculture to strengthen food security
The President, who recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, stated that as inflation and interest rates moderate, increased fiscal space will be created for productive investment in these areas and human capital development.
Concluding his address, Tinubu called for unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility in nation-building. He urged Nigerians to resolve to be better citizens and stewards of the country, wishing all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year.
