By RismadarVoice Media
January 1, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will usher in a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing gains recorded from fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms implemented by his administration in the past year.
The President made this known in his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, in which he said the country had made measurable progress in 2025 despite global economic challenges.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria recorded steady economic improvements, including robust quarterly GDP growth, improved exchange rate stability, declining inflation, increased foreign reserves, and renewed investor confidence.
He said inflation dropped below 15 per cent by the end of 2025, aligning with government targets, while the economy was projected to post over four per cent annual growth.
The President also disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose to $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks, with expectations of further improvement in the new year.
On investments, Tinubu said foreign direct investment rose to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, compared to $90 million in the preceding quarter, attributing the increase to renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, as reflected by positive assessments from global rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
Tax Reforms, Fiscal Discipline:
The President said the government would deepen fiscal discipline in 2026, noting that the year marks a critical phase in the implementation of tax reforms aimed at harmonising Nigeria’s tax system, reducing multiple taxation, and creating a fair, competitive fiscal environment.
He commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonization agenda and said the reforms would help raise revenue sustainably while easing the tax burden on citizens and businesses.
Tinubu also said moderating inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space for infrastructure, human capital development, adding that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption.
Security Commitment:
On security, the President said economic growth must go hand in hand with peace and stability, assuring Nigerians that the government would sustain and intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.
He disclosed that Nigerian forces, in collaboration with international partners, carried out decisive actions against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest in December 2025 and would continue operations across the Northwest and Northeast.
Tinubu reiterated his support for decentralized policing, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security.
Inclusive Growth Agenda:
The President said the government would accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians by supporting economic activities in all 8,809 wards nationwide.
He added that investments would continue in agriculture, trade, mining, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and food security to stimulate local economies, improve living standards.
Call for Unity:
Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, collective responsibility in nation-building, stressing that sustained progress requires the cooperation of citizens and government alike.
