President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is entering a “robust phase” of economic expansion for 2026.
In his New Year address to the nation sent to Persecondnews, he highlighted falling inflation, bolstered foreign reserves, and a surge in investor confidence as proof that his administration’s reforms are working.
Despite global challenges,
Tinubu noted that 2025 ended with strong GDP growth—expected to surpass 4%—and a successful cooling of inflation to under 15%.
Supported by a 48% gain in the stock market and a $45.4bn foreign reserve cushion, the President vowed that the focus for the coming year will be ensuring these macroeconomic gains finally reach the average Nigerian household.
He added that foreign direct investment rose sharply in the third quarter of 2025 to $720m, from $90m in the previous quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence and positive assessments from international credit rating agencies.
On fiscal policy, Tinubu said his administration would intensify tax reforms in 2026, with a focus on harmonizing taxes across all tiers of government to reduce multiple taxation and ease the burden on citizens and businesses.
He said moderating inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital investment.
The President also addressed security, acknowledging continued threats from terrorist and criminal groups.
He confirmed that, in collaboration with international partners including the United States, Nigerian forces carried out strikes against terrorist targets in parts of the North-West on 24 December, with sustained operations ongoing in the North-West and North-East.
In 2026, he said, security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners, while the government would continue to explore decentralised policing and regulated forest guards as part of efforts to tackle banditry and terrorism.
The President also doubled down on his commitment to social welfare, promising to touch the lives of 10 million Nigerians through a localized ward-based empowerment scheme.
By focusing on sectors like food processing and mining, the government hopes to spark a “bottom-up” economic recovery.
This effort will be paired with ongoing upgrades to the nation’s ports, power grids, and schools.
Tinubu’s final message was one of collective responsibility, calling on every citizen to uphold the values of integrity to ensure the country’s progress.
He said: “I wish you all a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country.”
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