By Ikechi Enwereji
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 will mark the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, driven by sustained reforms, improved fiscal discipline, and renewed investor confidence.
In his New Year goodwill message to the nation on Thursday, the President said Nigeria closed 2025 with strong economic indicators despite global economic headwinds, noting that the gains recorded so far confirm that the administration’s “difficult but necessary reforms” are yielding results.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria recorded robust quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent. He added that inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, exchange rate stability improved, and trade surpluses were maintained.
The President also highlighted the performance of the capital market, stating that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, outperforming many of its peers and consolidating the bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On external reserves, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks and strengthening confidence in the naira.
He further revealed a sharp rise in foreign direct investment (FDI), which increased to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter, attributing the growth to renewed investor confidence and positive assessments by global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
Speaking on fiscal reforms, the President said his administration remains committed to tax harmonisation and fiscal discipline, stressing that multiple taxation across different tiers of government must be addressed to reduce the burden on citizens and businesses.
He noted that the 2026 Appropriation Bill, recently presented to the National Assembly, reflects the government’s resolve to lay a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity, particularly as inflation and interest rates begin to moderate.
On security, Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, disclosing that decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, in collaboration with international partners.
He said security agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 and reiterated his support for decentralised policing, with appropriate safeguards, to effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges.
The President also emphasised inclusive growth and social development, announcing plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to empower at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, potentially bringing over 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.
He assured Nigerians that investments in infrastructure— including roads, power, ports, rail, healthcare, education, and agriculture— would continue without interruption, with a focus on food security and improved quality of life.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to support nation-building efforts, uphold patriotism, and serve the country with integrity.
“I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year,” the President said, praying for continued peace, security, and stability across the country.
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