Tinubu Expresses Confidence in Nigeria’s Economic Outlook as He Addresses Nation on New Year

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his optimism that Nigeria is entering a stronger phase of economic advancement in 2026, pointing to improvements in inflation levels, foreign reserves, and foreign investment as evidence that recent reforms are beginning to take hold.

Delivering his New Year address to Nigerians on Thursday, the President explained that the fiscal, monetary, and structural policies implemented throughout 2025 have helped stabilise the economy despite persistent global economic pressures.

He assured citizens that his administration will intensify ongoing efforts in the new year, with a focus on deepening tax reforms, expanding infrastructure development, strengthening national security, and accelerating inclusive growth programmes aimed at raising living standards nationwide.

Below is a refreshed and restructured version of the President’s address:

2026 Signals a Stronger Era of Economic Expansion

President Tinubu opened his address by welcoming Nigerians into the new year with gratitude and renewed determination, expressing confidence that 2026 will deliver greater prosperity for the nation and its people.

Reflecting on 2025, he noted that his administration sustained momentum on key reforms, including a fiscal reset that supported steady economic progress. Despite global headwinds, Nigeria recorded measurable gains, particularly within the economy, reinforcing the belief that the tough but necessary reforms are beginning to yield concrete benefits for ordinary citizens.

Economic Performance and 2026 Outlook

Looking ahead, the President said the government’s priority in 2026 is to consolidate recent gains while building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

He revealed that Nigeria ended 2025 on a strong note, recording consistent GDP growth across all quarters, with annual growth projected to exceed four percent. Trade surpluses were maintained, exchange rate stability improved, and inflation declined steadily to below 15 percent, aligning with government targets.

Tinubu added that the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed many global markets in 2025, posting a 48.12 percent gain and extending the bullish momentum that began in the second half of 2023.

According to him, Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, offering a solid buffer against external shocks and strengthening the naira’s position going into 2026.

He also disclosed a sharp rise in foreign direct investment, which increased to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter. This surge, he said, reflects renewed investor confidence, a trend consistently recognised by global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.

Fiscal Responsibility and Tax Reforms

The President referenced his recent presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, stressing that fiscal discipline remains the cornerstone of long-term economic stability and growth.

He explained that moderating inflation and interest rates would create greater fiscal space for investments in infrastructure and human capital. Addressing concerns around multiple taxation, Tinubu commended states that have adopted harmonised tax laws aligned with national reform efforts to reduce the burden of excessive levies and fees on citizens and businesses.

He described 2026 as a defining year for the implementation of tax reforms aimed at building a fair, competitive, and sustainable revenue system capable of funding infrastructure and social development.

Security and National Stability

Acknowledging that reform comes with challenges, the President emphasised that economic growth must be accompanied by peace and security.

He stated that Nigeria continues to confront threats from criminal and terrorist groups, noting that decisive operations were carried out against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, in collaboration with international partners including the United States. Sustained military actions, he added, are ongoing across the Northwest and Northeast.

Tinubu reaffirmed that security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026. He also restated his support for decentralised policing, complemented by well-regulated forest guards, as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism, banditry, and related crimes.

Inclusive Growth and Social Development

The President said 2026 marks the beginning of a more impactful phase of inclusive growth, with tangible improvements expected in the lives of Nigerians.

He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards—bringing approximately 10 million citizens into productive economic activity.

Key sectors such as agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining will be prioritised to stimulate local economies, while continued investments will be made in roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture. He assured Nigerians that all ongoing infrastructure projects will proceed without disruption.

Call for Unity and Shared Responsibility

In closing, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility, stressing that nation-building requires collective effort.

He wished citizens a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, praying for continued peace, security, and protection for the country and its armed forces.