January 01, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 will consolidate the economic gains recorded in the past year, while delivering sustained growth, improved security and inclusive development across the country.
In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President expressed gratitude to God for the progress made in 2025 and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening reforms aimed at building a resilient, sustainable and growth-oriented economy.
Tinubu said despite persistent global economic headwinds, Nigeria recorded measurable progress in 2025, driven by what he described as a necessary fiscal reset and sound macroeconomic management.
According to him, the country closed the year on a strong note, recording robust quarterly GDP growth, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent. He noted that Nigeria maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability and successfully reduced inflation to below 15 per cent, in line with government targets.
The President also highlighted the strong performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which posted a 48.12 percent gain in 2025, outperforming many peer markets and sustaining a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On external buffers, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a significant cushion against external shocks and strengthening confidence in the naira. He added that the reserve position is expected to improve further in 2026.
Foreign direct investment, the President said, also showed strong recovery, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction. He noted that global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, have consistently acknowledged and applauded the country’s reform efforts.
Turning to fiscal policy, Tinubu stated that the 2026 Appropriation Bill, recently presented to the National Assembly, reflects the administration’s focus on fiscal discipline, long-term stability and sustainable prosperity. He said moderating inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space for investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
The President also pledged to tackle the challenge of multiple taxation across all tiers of government, commending states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda to ease the burden of taxes, levies and fees on citizens and businesses. He said the next phase of tax reforms would focus on building a fair, competitive and robust fiscal system capable of sustainably raising revenue.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing threats from terrorist and criminal elements but said decisive actions were taken in collaboration with international partners, including targeted operations against terrorist hideouts in parts of the Northwest on December 24, 2025. He said the Armed Forces have sustained operations across the Northwest and Northeast and will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026.
The President reiterated his support for decentralised policing, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as a critical strategy for addressing terrorism, banditry and related security challenges, stressing the need for accountability.
In the area of inclusive growth, Tinubu announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians by supporting 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards. He said agriculture, trade, food processing and mining would drive grassroots economic activity, alongside sustained investment in infrastructure such as roads, power, ports, railways, airports, healthcare and education.
“All ongoing projects will continue without interruption”, he assured.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and committed to nation-building, noting that the success of reforms depends on collective resolve.
The President wishes Nigerians a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year, while reaffirming his administration’s determination to ensure that the benefits of reform reach every household and that national peace, security and stability are preserved.
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