President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 will mark the beginning of a stronger phase of economic growth, with better living conditions, improved security, and wider opportunities for citizens across the country.
In his New Year message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, the President said his administration would build on the gains recorded in 2025, despite the economic difficulties faced both locally and globally. He said the reforms carried out so far were difficult but necessary and were already showing positive results for the country.
President Tinubu began his address by thanking Nigerians for their patience and resilience. He expressed confidence that the new year would bring more prosperity to the nation and its people.
According to him, 2025 was a year of steady progress, especially in the economy. He said the government carried out a fiscal reset and sustained major reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and putting Nigeria on the path of long-term growth.
He noted that despite global economic challenges such as inflation, rising interest rates, and weak global trade, Nigeria recorded measurable gains. These, he said, showed that the reform policies of his administration were working and would soon bring more benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
President Tinubu said Nigeria ended 2025 on a strong economic note. He revealed that the country recorded steady Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in every quarter of the year, with total annual growth expected to exceed four per cent.
He added that Nigeria maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater stability in the foreign exchange market. According to him, inflation, which had been a major concern for households, declined steadily and fell below 15 per cent by the end of 2025, in line with government targets.
The President said his administration was determined to reduce inflation further in 2026 so that Nigerians could feel real relief in the cost of living.
He also highlighted the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which he said grew by 48.12 per cent in 2025. This, he noted, showed growing confidence by local and foreign investors in the Nigerian economy.
President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025. He said this strong reserve position provided a buffer against external shocks and helped to support the value of the naira. He expressed optimism that the reserves would grow further in the new year.
Foreign direct investment also showed signs of recovery. The President said investment inflows rose sharply in the third quarter of 2025, increasing from $90 million in the previous quarter to $720 million. He said this reflected renewed confidence in Nigeria by international investors and credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
The President used the opportunity to speak on fiscal discipline and tax reforms. He recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, where he outlined plans to strengthen the economy and ensure long-term stability.
According to him, as inflation and interest rates continue to moderate, the government expects to have more room to invest in infrastructure and human capital development, including education and healthcare.
President Tinubu also addressed the long-standing issue of multiple taxation, which he said had placed a heavy burden on businesses and ordinary Nigerians. He commended states that had aligned with the federal government’s tax harmonisation agenda by reducing overlapping taxes, levies, and fees.
He explained that the tax reforms planned for 2026 were aimed at creating a fair and competitive system that would raise revenue without punishing citizens. The goal, he said, was to strengthen government finances and fund key projects that would benefit all Nigerians.
On security, President Tinubu said economic progress could not be sustained without peace and stability. He acknowledged that Nigeria continued to face serious threats from criminal gangs and terrorist groups in different parts of the country.
He revealed that, in collaboration with international partners including the United States, Nigerian security forces carried out decisive operations against terrorist targets in parts of the North-West on December 24, 2025. He said these operations had continued in both the North-West and North-East regions.
The President assured Nigerians that security agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
President Tinubu also restated his support for a decentralised policing system, with proper safeguards and accountability. He said such a system, supported by well-regulated forest guards, would help address terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges more effectively.
Looking ahead to 2026, the President said the new year would usher in a more robust phase of inclusive economic growth. He said the focus would be on improving the daily lives of Nigerians, especially at the grassroots.
He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activities. Under the programme, at least 1,000 people are expected to be empowered in each of the country’s 8,809 wards.
According to him, sectors such as agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining would be key drivers of local economic growth. He also promised continued investment in infrastructure, including roads, power, railways, ports, airports, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption, as part of efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs, and improve quality of life.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu called on Nigerians to work together in unity and shared responsibility. He said nation-building required the efforts of all citizens, regardless of background or position.
He urged Nigerians to uphold patriotism, integrity, and respect for one another, and to commit themselves to making the country better in 2026.
“I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year,” the President said, while also praying for the safety of Nigeria’s troops and the continued peace and stability of the nation.