Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has expressed confidence that 2026 will usher in a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, assuring citizens that the country’s ongoing reforms are beginning to yield tangible results, Prime Business Africa reports.
In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, Tinubu said the administration recorded “steady economic progress” in 2025 despite global economic headwinds, stressing that difficult but necessary reforms were positioning the country on a firmer path to long-term stability and prosperity.
According to the President, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic footing, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth recorded in each quarter and annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent. He said the country also maintained trade surpluses, achieved improved exchange rate stability and reduced inflation to below 15 per cent, in line with government targets.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTinubu further disclosed that the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed many of its peers in 2025, posting a 48.12 per cent gain and sustaining a bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023.
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On external buffers, the President said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing significant protection for the naira against external shocks. He added that the reserves position is expected to strengthen further in 2026.
The President also highlighted a rebound in foreign direct investment (FDI), noting that inflows rose to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter, attributing the increase to renewed investor confidence. He said global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, had acknowledged and affirmed Nigeria’s improving economic outlook.
On fiscal policy, Tinubu said the 2026 Appropriation Bill, recently presented to the National Assembly, reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and long-term economic stability. He said moderation in inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital investment.
The President said his administration is confronting the problem of multiple taxation across all tiers of government, commending states that have adopted harmonised tax laws in line with the national tax reform agenda. According to him, the new phase of tax reforms is aimed at building a fair, competitive and sustainable revenue system while reducing the burden on citizens and businesses.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing threats from terrorists and criminal groups, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast. He disclosed that decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets on December 24, 2025, in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, and said security operations have since been sustained across affected regions.
He reaffirmed his belief in decentralised policing, complemented by regulated forest guards, as a critical strategy for tackling terrorism, banditry and related security challenges.
Looking ahead, Tinubu said 2026 would focus strongly on inclusive growth and social development. 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, with the goal of bringing no fewer than 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.
The President said investments would continue in agriculture, trade, food processing and mining to stimulate local economies, while ongoing infrastructure projects in roads, power, ports, rail, aviation, healthcare, education and agriculture would proceed without interruption.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to support the reform process, stressing that nation-building requires collective commitment, patriotism and integrity.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year and pledged continued efforts to safeguard national security and economic stability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
