President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is entering what he described as a “more robust phase of economic growth,” pledging sustained reforms, improved security, and inclusive development as the country begins the 2026 fiscal year.
In a New Year address posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the President said his administration recorded tangible economic gains in 2025 despite global economic headwinds, insisting that recent reforms are beginning to yield measurable results for the country.
Welcoming Nigerians to the new year, Tinubu expressed confidence that the nation’s economic direction remains on course, describing 2025 as a year of fiscal reset and reform consolidation.
“During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and recorded steady economic progress,” the President said, adding that the outcomes reaffirmed the government’s belief that the reforms, though difficult, were necessary.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria closed 2025 with robust quarterly GDP growth, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent. He also said the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and recorded a steady decline in inflation, which he stated had fallen below 15 per cent, in line with government targets.
The President further highlighted strong performance in the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023. He described the performance as a reflection of renewed investor confidence.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing what he called a “substantial buffer” against external shocks to the naira. He added that foreign direct investment had also rebounded significantly, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the previous quarter.
He attributed the improved investment climate to sound monetary management and reform consistency, noting that Nigeria’s economic outlook has received positive assessments from global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
On fiscal management, the President said his administration is prioritising discipline and tax reform to create a fairer and more competitive revenue system. He revealed that the 2026 Appropriation Bill, recently presented to the National Assembly, is designed to consolidate reforms and expand fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital development.
Tinubu also acknowledged the burden of multiple taxation, commending states that have aligned with the federal government’s tax harmonisation agenda. He said the reforms aim to reduce excessive taxes, levies, and fees on citizens while strengthening government capacity to fund development.
Beyond the economy, the President stressed that growth must go hand in hand with security and stability. He confirmed that Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners including the United States, carried out decisive actions against terrorist targets in parts of the North-West on December 24, followed by sustained military operations across the North-West and North-East.
“Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds,” he said, pledging deeper cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026.
Tinubu reiterated his support for a decentralised policing system, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, as part of long-term efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
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On inclusive growth, the President announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at empowering at least 10 million Nigerians by engaging no fewer than 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, promising uninterrupted progress on ongoing projects in roads, power, ports, railways, airports, healthcare, education, and agriculture, with a focus on food security and improved quality of life.
In closing, Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility, stressing that nation-building requires collective effort.
“Nigeria will emerge stronger with patience, discipline, and unity of purpose,” he said, wishing citizens a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
The address was signed Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.