President Bola Tinubu has pledged sustained economic growth, lower inflation and shared prosperity for Nigerians in 2026, saying the gains of recent reforms will deepen in the new year.
In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the president expressed confidence that the country was firmly on the path of recovery after major fiscal and economic reforms implemented in 2025.
He said,“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.”
Tinubu said the government sustained the momentum of its reforms in 2025, recording measurable progress despite global economic headwinds.
“During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress,” he said.
The president noted that the reforms, though difficult, were necessary and were already yielding results for the economy.
He added, “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.”
On economic outlook, Tinubu said the focus in 2026 would be on consolidating gains and building a resilient, inclusive and growth-oriented economy.
“We closed 2025 on a strong note,” he said.
He disclosed that Nigeria recorded robust quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent, alongside trade surpluses and improved exchange rate stability.
He added, “Inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target. In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household.”
Tinubu said Nigeria’s external reserves stood at 45.4 billion dollars as of Dec. 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira.
“Our foreign reserves provide a substantial buffer against external shocks, and we expect this position to strengthen further in the new year,” he said.
The president said foreign direct investment responded positively in 2025, rising sharply in the third quarter.
“This reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies have consistently affirmed,” he said.
On fiscal discipline, Tinubu said the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflected the administration’s commitment to long-term stability.
“With patience, fiscal discipline and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth,” he said.
He said the new year marked a critical phase in implementing tax reforms aimed at harmonisation and fairness.
“Our tax reforms are designed to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He assured Nigerians that the reforms would strengthen infrastructure financing, social investment and shared prosperity.
