Tinubu Assures Nigerians of Stronger Economy, Improved Security in 2026

By Chinedu Echianu

President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism that 2026 will be a year of greater prosperity, stability and inclusive growth for Nigeria, assuring citizens that the economic reforms embarked upon by his administration are already yielding measurable results.

In a New Year address to the nation on January 1, 2026, the President said Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic footing despite global headwinds.

He noted that sustained reforms have delivered steady progress and renewed confidence in the economy.

According to him, the gains recorded reaffirm that the “difficult but necessary” reforms are moving the country in the right direction, with more concrete benefits expected for ordinary Nigerians.

President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria recorded robust quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent.

He added that the country-maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability and recorded a steady decline in inflation, which fell below 15 per cent in line with government targets.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange, he said, also outperformed its peers with a 48.12 per cent gain, extending a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.

The President further revealed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira, while foreign direct investment rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the previous quarter.

He attributed the improvement to sound monetary policies and renewed investor confidence, which he said had been acknowledged by global credit rating agencies.

On fiscal management, Tinubu said his administration would deepen discipline and fully implement tax reforms in 2026 to build a fair, competitive and robust revenue base.

He decried the burden of multiple taxation and commended states that have adopted harmonised tax laws in line with the national tax reform agenda, aimed at reducing excessive levies on citizens and businesses.

Addressing security, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.

He noted that Nigerian security forces, in collaboration with international partners, carried out decisive operations against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest in December 2025 and would intensify efforts in 2026.

Tinubu also reiterated his support for decentralised policing and properly regulated forest guards as part of broader security reforms.

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On inclusive growth and social development, the President announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians by supporting 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards.

He said investments would be scaled up in agriculture, trade, mining and infrastructure, including roads, power, ports, rail, healthcare and education, assuring that all ongoing projects would continue without interruption.

President Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism and shared responsibility in nation-building, stressing that collective effort is essential to achieving the country’s goals in 2026.

He wished citizens a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year and prayed for continued peace, security and stability across the nation.