President Bola Tinubu herald the New Year with a bold declaration that 2026 ushers in a “more robust phase of economic growth” for Nigeria, spotlighting record GDP expansion, tamed inflation, booming stocks, and relentless security offensives against terrorists.
In his New Year message, Tinubu welcomed the nation with optimism.
“Fellow Compatriots, I welcome you all to 2026, with gratitude to God and confidence in our collective resolve that this new year will be a more prosperous one for our nation, our citizens, and all who call Nigeria home,” he began.
Reflecting on 2025, Tinubu hailed “tangible and measurable gains” amid global headwinds, crediting sustained reforms. “We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress… These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian,” he stated.
He pointed out key highlights including quarterly GDP growth projected above 4%, trade surpluses, and exchange rate stability. Inflation “declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target.” The Nigerian Stock Exchange soared with a “robust 48.12 per cent gain,” while foreign reserves hit $45.4 billion by December 29. “Supported by sound monetary policy management, our foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. We expect this position to strengthen further in the new year,” Tinubu noted.
The President noted that FDI jumped to $720 million in Q3 2025 from $90 million prior, earning nods from Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P. “As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy,” he pledged. “In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household.”
Fiscal Discipline, Tax Reforms Take Center Stage
He commended states aligning on tax harmonisation and framed 2026 as transformative: “The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria. By harmonising our tax system, we aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity.
Tinubu addressed insecurity head-on, citing a U.S.-backed December 24 strike on Northwest terror targets. “Our nation continues to confront security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt our way of life. In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24,” he stressed.
For 2026, he vowed escalation: “Our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security. We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country.” He advocated reforms: “I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
Tinubu promised accelerated Renewed Hope Ward initiatives to engage 10 million Nigerians. “The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people. We will accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country,” he said.
Infrastructure in roads, power, ports, and more will advance uninterrupted, boosting agriculture, trade, mining, food security, healthcare, and education.
President Tinubu closed with a call to action: “To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility. We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles. Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation.”
“Fellow Nigerians, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability. Happy New Year to you all,” he concluded.