2026 to Open Stronger Growth Era for Nigeria — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has projected 2026 as the start of a more vigorous phase of economic expansion for Nigeria, insisting that ongoing reforms are already delivering measurable gains despite global economic pressures.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, the President said the country ended 2025 on a solid economic footing, marked by steady growth, easing inflation, improved exchange rate stability and renewed investor confidence.

He disclosed that Nigeria recorded consistent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in all quarters of 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent. Inflation, he added, declined steadily to below 15 per cent, aligning with government targets, while the country maintained trade surpluses.

Tinubu noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange emerged as one of the world’s best performers in 2025, posting a 48.12 per cent gain and extending a bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023.

On external buffers, he said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing strong protection against external shocks and supporting exchange rate stability, with expectations of further improvement in 2026.

The President also highlighted a sharp rebound in foreign direct investment, which rose to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter. He attributed the surge to renewed investor confidence and positive assessments by international credit rating agencies.

Looking ahead, Tinubu said his administration would deepen fiscal discipline and tax reforms in 2026 to build a fair, competitive and sustainable revenue system. He stressed that the recently presented 2026 Appropriation Bill reflected this commitment, urging Nigerians to embrace patience, discipline and unity to secure long-term stability and prosperity.

As inflation and interest rates moderate, the President said government expects increased fiscal space for investment in infrastructure and human capital development. He also pledged to tackle the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government, commending states that have adopted harmonised tax laws to ease the burden on citizens and businesses.

“The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms,” Tinubu said, noting that harmonisation would boost sustainable revenue, correct fiscal distortions and strengthen funding for infrastructure and social programmes.

On security, the President stressed that economic progress must go hand in hand with peace and stability. He cited recent decisive actions against terrorist targets in parts of the North-West on December 24, carried out in collaboration with international partners, including the United States.

He said the Armed Forces had sustained pressure on terrorist networks and criminal enclaves across the North-West and North-East, adding that security agencies would intensify cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026.

Tinubu reaffirmed his support for decentralised policing with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism, banditry and related crimes.

On social development, the President said 2026 would deliver tangible improvements in Nigerians’ lives through inclusive growth initiatives. He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at empowering at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and integrating at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.

Agriculture, trade, food processing and mining, he said, would be prioritised to stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.

He also pledged continued investment in critical infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education and agriculture, assuring that all ongoing projects would proceed without interruption to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.

Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to recommit to nation-building in the new year.

“Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation,” he said, wishing Nigerians a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year, while praying for the safety of the nation’s troops and the defeat of forces threatening national peace and stability.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly described 2025 as a watershed year, saying reforms in taxation, governance, electoral processes and national security laid a strong foundation for economic recovery in 2026.