- He stressed that patience, unity and discipline would be critical in ensuring that Nigeria emerges stronger
- He stressed that the results achieved so far reaffirmed the belief that the country is on the right path, with even more tangible benefits expected to unfold
- He added that the economy also benefited from sustained trade surpluses, improved exchange rate stability and a steady decline in inflation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the year 2026 will be dedicated to consolidating the gains recorded so far while pushing forward efforts to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive and growth-driven Nigerian economy.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians, Eko Hot Blog reports that the President said the country ended 2025 on a positive footing, recording consistent economic improvements despite tough policies introduced to tame inflation and stabilise the macroeconomic environment.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Akpabio Assures Nigerians of Strong Institutions in 2026
- Dollar to Naira Rate for Today, January 1 2026
- Military Eliminates 20 Top Terrorist Commanders, Rescues 2,336 Kidnap Victims in 2025
According to Tinubu, Nigeria achieved strong quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth throughout 2025, with projections indicating that the annualised growth rate would surpass four per cent by the end of the year.
He added that the economy also benefited from sustained trade surpluses, improved exchange rate stability and a steady decline in inflation, which dropped below 15 per cent in line with the administration’s set target.
Welcoming Nigerians into the new year, the President expressed gratitude to God and confidence in the collective resolve of citizens to make 2026 a more prosperous year for the country and its people.
He noted that although 2025 came with global economic challenges, Nigeria was able to sustain the momentum of its reforms and record measurable progress, particularly in fiscal and economic management.
Tinubu explained that the reforms embarked upon by his administration, though difficult, were necessary steps aimed at repositioning the economy for long-term stability and improved outcomes for ordinary Nigerians.
He stressed that the results achieved so far reaffirmed the belief that the country is on the right path, with even more tangible benefits expected to unfold in the coming months.
Looking ahead to 2026, the President said his government’s priority would be to consolidate existing gains while deepening efforts to ensure economic growth remains resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
He assured Nigerians that inflation would be pushed further down in the new year, with deliberate policies designed to ensure that the benefits of economic reforms are felt across households nationwide.
Highlighting capital market performance, Tinubu disclosed that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded an impressive 48.12 per cent growth in 2025, outperforming many global peers and sustaining the bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023. He attributed this performance to improved investor confidence and sound economic management.
The President also revealed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks to the naira. He expressed optimism that this position would further improve in 2026, supported by prudent monetary policies and growing foreign inflows.
On foreign direct investment, Tinubu noted a significant increase in investor interest, with inflows rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter.
He said this surge reflected renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, a sentiment echoed by global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, which have continued to acknowledge the country’s reform efforts.
Turning to fiscal discipline and tax reforms, the President recalled his recent presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, where he outlined how ongoing reforms were laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability.
He stressed that patience, unity and discipline would be critical in ensuring that Nigeria emerges stronger and better positioned for sustained growth in 2026.
Tinubu also addressed the issue of multiple taxation, commending states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda. He said the ongoing tax reforms are aimed at reducing the burden of excessive taxes, levies and fees on citizens while building a fair, competitive and robust fiscal system capable of funding infrastructure and social development.
On security, the President acknowledged that economic growth cannot thrive without peace and stability. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry and other security threats, noting that decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest in collaboration with international partners.
He added that security agencies would continue sustained operations across troubled regions in 2026.
Tinubu reiterated his belief in the need for decentralised policing with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of a comprehensive strategy to address Nigeria’s security challenges effectively.
The President further outlined plans for inclusive growth and social development, announcing that 2026 would mark a more robust phase of economic expansion with visible improvements in citizens’ lives.
He said the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme would be accelerated, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians by supporting economic activities in all 8,809 wards nationwide.
According to him, investments in agriculture, trade, food processing, mining and critical infrastructure such as roads, power, railways, ports, healthcare and education would continue uninterrupted, with the aim of strengthening food security and improving the overall quality of life.
In his closing remarks, Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism and shared responsibility, stressing that nation-building requires collective effort.
He urged citizens to remain committed to the country’s progress and prayed for peace, protection and stability in the year ahead, while wishing Nigerians a productive and prosperous New Year.
FURTHER READING
