Tinubu Declares 2026 Dawn Of Stronger Economic Growth For Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that 2026 signals the start of a stronger and more resilient phase of economic growth for Nigeria, pointing to significant gains recorded in 2025 as evidence that ongoing reforms are yielding results.

According to information made available by Ireporter Online, the President, in his New Year address, said Nigeria ended 2025 on a solid economic footing despite prevailing global economic pressures. He explained that the fiscal, monetary and structural reforms implemented by his administration were initially challenging but are now translating into tangible benefits for both the economy and citizens.

Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria achieved consistent quarterly economic expansion throughout 2025, with annualised GDP growth projected to exceed four per cent. He noted that the country sustained trade surpluses, recorded improved exchange rate stability and witnessed a steady decline in inflation to below 15 per cent, aligning with government benchmarks.

The President also highlighted the strong performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which reportedly rose by 48.12 per cent in 2025, outperforming several global markets and extending a rally that began in the latter half of 2023. He added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, describing the figure as a solid buffer to protect the naira against external shocks, with further improvements anticipated in 2026.

On foreign investment, Tinubu revealed that foreign direct investment climbed sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter. He attributed the surge to renewed investor confidence, noting that international credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s have continued to express confidence in Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, referencing the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. He explained that moderating inflation and interest rates would create additional fiscal space for critical investments in infrastructure and human capital development. Tinubu also addressed the issue of multiple taxation, commending states that have embraced harmonised tax systems in line with the national tax reform agenda to ease the burden on businesses and citizens.

He described 2026 as a pivotal year for implementing comprehensive tax reforms aimed at establishing a fair, competitive and sustainable revenue framework capable of funding infrastructure and social programmes.

Addressing national security, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing challenges, stressing that sustainable economic progress must be supported by peace and stability. He disclosed that Nigerian security forces, in collaboration with international partners including the United States, carried out decisive operations against terrorist enclaves in parts of the Northwest on December 24, with continued military pressure across the Northwest and Northeast.

The President said security and intelligence agencies would intensify cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026, reaffirming his support for decentralised policing and the deployment of well-regulated forest guards to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.

On inclusive growth, Tinubu announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, with a target of empowering at least 1,000 individuals in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards. He said the initiative is expected to bring about 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activities.

He added that priority would be given to agriculture, trade, food processing and mining to stimulate grassroots economic growth, while sustained investments would continue in roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education and agriculture. Tinubu assured Nigerians that all ongoing infrastructure projects would proceed without interruption.

The President concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain united, patriotic and committed to shared national goals, stressing that collective responsibility is essential for achieving the country’s aspirations in 2026. He wished citizens a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year, while praying for lasting peace, security and protection for the nation and its armed forces.