By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, assuring citizens that the reforms implemented by his administration are beginning to deliver measurable results.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President said the country closed 2025 on a strong economic note despite global headwinds, adding that the difficult but necessary reforms undertaken in the past year are laying the foundation for sustained growth and shared prosperity.
Tinubu said Nigeria recorded steady economic progress in 2025, noting that quarterly Gross Domestic Product growth remained robust, with annualised growth expected to exceed four percent.
He added that the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability and recorded a steady decline in inflation, which fell below 15 percent in line with government targets.
According to the President, the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed many global peers in 2025, posting a 48.12 percent gain and consolidating a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks, while foreign direct investment rose to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter.
Tinubu attributed the improved investor confidence to sound monetary policy management and positive assessments of Nigeria’s economic outlook by international credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and tax reform, saying the policies reflected in the 2026 Appropriation Bill are designed to strengthen long-term stability.
He said the government is addressing the challenge of multiple taxation across the three 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.
He noted that the new year marks a critical phase in the implementation of tax reforms aimed at building a fair, competitive and robust fiscal system capable of sustainably raising revenue and financing infrastructure and social investments.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged the continued threat posed by criminal and terrorist elements but assured Nigerians that decisive actions are being taken.
He disclosed that in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, targeted operations were carried out against terrorist enclaves in parts of the North-West on December 24, with sustained military operations ongoing across the North-West and North-East.
The President said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026, reiterating his belief that decentralised policing, complemented by properly regulated forest guards and anchored on accountability, is critical to tackling terrorism, banditry and related crimes.
He said 2026 would mark the beginning of a more inclusive growth phase, with the acceleration of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at 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 through agriculture, trade, food processing and mining.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued investment in infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, rail, airports, pipelines, healthcare and education, stressing that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, the President urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the reform process, noting that nation-building requires collective effort.
He wished citizens a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year and prayed for continued peace, security and protection for the country and its armed forces.
