Tinubu Declares 2026 the Dawn of a Stronger Nigerian Economy
From inflation control and investor confidence to security operations and grassroots empowerment, President Tinubu outlines a renewed national direction for the year ahead
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 represents the start of a stronger and more inclusive phase of economic growth, as his administration builds on reforms initiated over the past year to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, and improve everyday living conditions.
In his New Year address to the nation on January 1, 2026, the President expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to enter a new year and reaffirmed his confidence in Nigeria’s collective resolve to achieve prosperity, stability, and long-term development.
Reflecting on the past year, Tinubu said 2025 was marked by decisive economic reforms, including a fiscal reset that laid the groundwork for measurable progress despite persistent global economic challenges. According to him, the early gains recorded are clear indications that the difficult but necessary policy choices taken by his government are yielding results and positioning Nigeria on the right path.
Economic Progress and Outlook
As Nigeria enters 2026, the President said the focus will be on consolidating existing gains and building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy that works for all citizens.
Tinubu revealed that Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic footing, recording robust GDP growth in every quarter of the year. Annualised growth is expected to exceed 4%, supported by steady trade surpluses and improved exchange rate stability. Inflation, which had been a major concern for households and businesses, declined steadily and dropped below 15% in line with government targets.
He assured Nigerians that efforts will continue in 2026 to further reduce inflation and ensure that the benefits of economic reforms reach ordinary households across the country.
The President also highlighted the impressive performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which posted a 48.12% gain in 2025, outperforming many of its global peers and extending a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On external reserves, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at 45.4 billion dollars as of December 29, 2025. He described this as a strong buffer against external shocks and expressed optimism that the position would improve further in the new year, providing greater stability for the naira.
Investor confidence, he noted, is steadily returning. Foreign direct investment rose sharply to 720 million dollars in the third quarter of 2025, compared to just 90 million dollars in the previous quarter. This surge, he said, reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, a position that has been echoed by global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard and Poor’s.
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Fiscal Discipline and Tax Reform
President Tinubu recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasising that his administration’s reforms are laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
He explained that as inflation and interest rates continue to moderate, the government expects increased fiscal space to invest more aggressively in infrastructure and human capital development.
Addressing a long-standing concern among businesses and citizens, Tinubu said his administration is confronting the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government. He commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws aimed at reducing the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on individuals and basic consumption.
According to him, 2026 marks a critical phase in the implementation of comprehensive tax reforms designed to create a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal system. The goal, he said, is to raise revenue sustainably, correct fiscal distortions, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that promote shared prosperity.
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Security and National Stability
The President acknowledged that economic growth cannot be sustained without peace and security. He noted that Nigeria continues to face threats from criminal and terrorist elements seeking to undermine national stability.
Tinubu 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 added that the Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across both the Northwest and Northeast regions.
Looking ahead, he said Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate all threats to national security. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and the country’s territorial integrity.
The President also reiterated his belief that a decentralised policing system, supported by appropriate safeguards and complemented by properly regulated forest guards, is essential to effectively tackling terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
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Inclusive Growth and Social Development
Tinubu described 2026 as the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth with visible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering a minimum of 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards.
Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, the administration plans to stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities. The President also reaffirmed his commitment to modernising infrastructure nationwide, including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare facilities, schools, and agricultural systems to boost food security and improve quality of life.
He assured Nigerians that all ongoing projects will continue without interruption.
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A Call to Unity and Responsibility
Concluding his address, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to recognise that nation-building is a shared responsibility. He called for unity, patriotism, and integrity, encouraging citizens to serve the country honourably in their respective roles.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year and prayed for God’s continued protection over the nation, its people, and the Armed Forces.
