President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said the focus for 2026 will be on consolidating the gains of 2025 and building a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, the President noted that despite global economic challenges and policies to curb inflation, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong note, with robust quarterly GDP growth and an annualised growth expected to exceed 4%.
He highlighted that the nation maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and successfully reduced inflation to below 15%, in line with his administration’s targets.
“2025 was a year of steady economic progress. Our difficult but necessary reforms are yielding tangible results, and 2026 will mark a phase of further consolidation and growth,” he said.
The President also pointed to a strong performance in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which posted a 48.12% gain, and a significant rise in foreign direct investment, which increased to $720 million in Q3 2025 from $90 million the previous quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria.
On fiscal policy, Tinubu noted that the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly aims to create fiscal space for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital while addressing multiple taxation and promoting tax harmonisation across all tiers of government.
“By building a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation, we aim to finance infrastructure and social investments that deliver shared prosperity to all Nigerians,” he said.
The President also emphasised that security remains central to economic progress. He praised recent joint operations with international partners against terrorist targets in the Northwest and outlined plans for closer collaboration among security and intelligence agencies to safeguard lives, property, and the nation’s territorial integrity.
On social and grassroots development, Tinubu pledged to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting 10 million Nigerians, by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining.
He reaffirmed plans to continue investments in roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve living standards.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to stand together, uphold patriotism, and serve the nation with integrity.
“Nation-building is a shared responsibility. Let us all contribute to a peaceful, productive, and prosperous 2026. May God continue to bless Nigeria, protect our troops, and safeguard our national peace and security,” he said.
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