President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that 2026 will usher in broader prosperity, declaring that his administration is determined to build on the economic reforms already underway.
In his New Year message released on Thursday, the President said the government would sustain the momentum achieved so far while ensuring that the gains of reform translate into improved living conditions for citizens.
“During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress. Despite persistent global economic headwinds, we recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy. These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian,” Tinubu stated in the address he personally signed.
Looking ahead, the President explained that 2026 would be dedicated to consolidating progress and strengthening Nigeria’s economic foundation. He said the country ended 2025 on a strong footing, noting that despite policies aimed at curbing inflation, Nigeria recorded consistent quarterly GDP growth, with annual growth projected to exceed four per cent.
According to him, the nation maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability and recorded a steady decline in inflation, which he said had fallen below 15 per cent in line with the administration’s targets.
“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household. In 2025, the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers, posting a robust 48.12 per cent gain and consolidating its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023. Supported by sound monetary policy management, our foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. We expect this position to strengthen further in the new year,” the President said.
Tinubu added that Nigeria’s investment climate had also improved, pointing to rising foreign direct investment as evidence of renewed confidence in the economy. “Foreign direct investment is also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720 million, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, have consistently affirmed and applauded,” he noted.
Addressing fiscal reforms, the President said patience, unity and discipline would remain essential as the government moves to strengthen revenue generation while reducing the burden on citizens.
He explained that as inflation and interest rates moderate, the government expects more fiscal space for infrastructure development and investment in human capital. Tinubu said efforts were ongoing to tackle multiple taxation across all levels of government, commending states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda.
“We are also confronting the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government. I commend states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on our people and on basic consumption. The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria. By harmonising our tax system, we aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity,” he said.
The President acknowledged that economic reforms must go hand in hand with security and stability. He said Nigeria continues to face threats from criminal and terrorist groups but assured citizens that decisive steps had been taken to confront these challenges.
Tinubu recalled recent actions taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest, stressing that military operations had continued across affected regions.
“Our nation continues to confront security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt our way of life. In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24. Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast,” he said.
According to him, security agencies would deepen cooperation with both regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security. He reaffirmed his belief in decentralised policing with appropriate safeguards, alongside regulated forest guards, as key to addressing terrorism and banditry.
The President said the new year would mark a more vigorous phase of economic expansion, with policies designed to improve everyday life. He disclosed plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at integrating 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, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities. We will also continue to invest in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure—roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life. All ongoing projects will continue without interruption,” Tinubu said.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to support the nation’s progress by remaining united and committed to national values, calling on citizens to act with patriotism, integrity and a shared sense of responsibility. He encouraged Nigerians to resolve to be better citizens and stewards of the country as 2026 unfolds.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu says 2026 will focus on consolidating economic reforms introduced in 2025, with emphasis on reducing inflation, strengthening the naira, boosting investment and expanding infrastructure.
He highlighted improved GDP growth, rising foreign reserves and increased foreign direct investment as signs of progress.
The President also outlined tax harmonisation efforts to ease the burden on citizens, renewed security operations against terrorism, and plans to empower millions through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
He urged Nigerians to support national unity and remain hopeful as reforms continue.
