By Pius Awunah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that “Nigeria is entering a more robust phase of economic growth” in 2026, citing easing inflation, stronger foreign reserves and renewed investor confidence as evidence that his administration’s reforms are beginning to yield results.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on Wednesday, December 31,2025,Tinubu said 2025 closed on a “strong note” despite global economic headwinds, adding that the government would focus in the new year on consolidating gains and ensuring that the benefits of reform reach households across the country.
According to the President, Nigeria recorded consistent quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four percent.
He said inflation declined steadily to below 15 percent,meeting the government’s target, while trade surpluses and greater exchange rate stability were maintained.
He pointed to strong performance in the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) posted a gain of 48.12 percent in 2025, extending a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
On external buffers, the president said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4bn as of December 29, 2025, describing this as a “substantial buffer” against external shocks to the naira.
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 harmonising 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 December 24,2025, 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.
On social development, Tinubu said the government would accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, with a target of empowering at least 10 million Nigerians by supporting at least 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards.
He said agriculture, trade, food processing and mining would be prioritised to stimulate local economies, alongside continued investment in infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, railways, healthcare and education.
The president called for unity, urging Nigerians to support nation-building efforts and uphold patriotism and integrity in the year ahead.
“I wish you all a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year.
“May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country,” he said.
