President Tinubu declares 2026 Nigeria’s economic growth dawn

In a resolute New Year address delivered on Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proclaimed 2026 as the pivotal year when Nigeria transitions into a phase of accelerated and sustainable economic growth expansion.

He highlighted key indicators, moderating inflation, bolstered foreign reserves, surging investment inflows, and consistent GDP economic growth, as irrefutable proof that the administration’s bold reforms are bearing fruit.

Despite navigating turbulent global economic currents, these strides underscore a trajectory of resilience and promise for ordinary Nigerians.

Addressing the nation with optimism and gratitude, President Tinubu reflected on 2025’s achievements while outlining an ambitious agenda for the year ahead.

The speech emphasized deepening fiscal and tax reforms, ramping up infrastructure investments, intensifying security measures.

And fast-tracking inclusive growth programs to elevate living standards nationwide.

A Warm Welcome to a Prosperous 2026

Fellow compatriots,

I extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you in this promising year of 2026.

With profound gratitude to the Almighty and unwavering confidence in our shared determination.

I am convinced that this year will usher in greater prosperity for our great nation, its citizens, and everyone who proudly calls Nigeria home.

Throughout 2025, my administration maintained relentless momentum on our transformative reforms.

We executed fiscal reset for steady growth amid global headwinds like disruptions, tensions, and commodity fluctuations.

These challenges tested our resolve, yet we delivered tangible, measurable gains, especially in the economic growth sphere.

Reforms confirm conviction: Tough measures steer Nigeria to brighter future with visible benefits for citizens.

Economic Progress and a Bold Outlook for 2026

As we enter 2026, we prioritize solidifying gains for resilient, sustainable, inclusive economic growth serving all Nigerians.

We concluded 2025 on an impressively strong footing.

Even amid anti-inflation policies, Nigeria achieved robust quarterly GDP growth, projected over 4% yearly.

This performance outpaced sub-Saharan peers, highlighting vitality in services, agriculture, and manufacturing non-oil sectors.

We sustained trade surpluses, bolstered external balances, and stabilized exchange rates to shield households from currency swings.

Inflation, a persistent scourge, declined steadily throughout the year, dipping below 15 percent in line with our strategic targets.

A feat accomplished through prudent monetary tightening by the Central Bank of Nigeria and enhanced supply-chain efficiencies.

We commit to lower inflation in 2026, spreading reform dividends to every Nigerian household nationwide.

NGX Soars 48.12% in 2025, Outpacing Regional Peers

NGX outperformed peers with 48.12% gain in 2025, exemplifying bullish momentum.

This surge builds on 2023’s rally, signaling strong investor sentiment and drawing domestic/foreign capital.

FX reserves reach $45.4B by Dec 29, 2025, cushioning shocks and stabilizing Naira.

We anticipate further accretion to these reserves in 2026, fueled by higher oil exports, remittances, and diaspora inflows.

Investor confidence surges: FDI inflows leap to $720M in Q3 2025 from $90M prior quarter.

This resurgence earns upgrades from Moody’s, Fitch, S&P for Nigeria’s reforms and prudence.

Fiscal Discipline and Transformative Tax Reforms

Just days ago, I laid the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly.

In that presentation, I underscored how our administration’s pivotal reforms are erecting a bedrock for enduring stability and prosperity.

Through patience, fiscal restraint, and national unity, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 not just stronger, but optimally poised for exponential growth.

With inflation and interest rates now moderating, we foresee expanded fiscal headroom for high-impact investments in infrastructure and human capital.

A pressing priority is tackling multiple taxation across federal, state, and local governments, a drag on businesses and consumers alike.

Forward-thinking states embracing tax harmonization earn applause for enacting unified laws easing overlapping levies burden.

2026 heralds a defining chapter in our tax reform odyssey, crafting a fair, competitive, and resilient fiscal architecture.

By streamlining and harmonizing our tax regime, we will unlock sustainable revenue streams, rectify fiscal imbalances.

And amplify our ability to fund game-changing infrastructure and social programs that foster shared prosperity for all.

Security and National Stability: An Unyielding Commitment

My fellow Nigerians, the reform journey is arduous, yet indispensable.

We recognize that economic triumphs must be fortified by ironclad security and enduring peace.

Our nation persists in battling threats from criminal syndicates and terrorist factions intent on undermining our progress.

In landmark US collaboration, we executed precision strikes on Northwest terrorist enclaves Dec 24.

Our gallant Armed Forces intensify offensives, dismantling terror networks and criminal bastions in Northwest, Northeast.

In 2026, security forces will intensify regional/global partnerships to eradicate all sovereignty threats.

We pledge unswerving protection of lives, property, and territorial integrity.

I advocate decentralized policing with safeguards, state policing, regulated forest guards—all grounded in accountability.

This multi-layered approach is vital to vanquishing terrorism, banditry, and kindred menaces.

Inclusive Growth and Social Development: Empowering the Grassroots

2026 dawns as the era of robust economic expansion, manifesting real upliftment in citizens’ lives.

We expedite Renewed Hope Ward Programme, integrating 10M Nigerians via 1,000+ empowered per 8,809 wards.

This bottom-up strategy will ignite local economies through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, creating jobs and opportunities at the grassroots.

Parallelly, we will pour resources into modernizing critical infrastructure: expansive road networks, reliable power generation and distribution.

Efficient ports, railways, airports, secure pipelines, advanced healthcare, quality education, cutting-edge ag initiatives fortify food security.

Every ongoing project, from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the Abuja-Kano rail line, will proceed seamlessly, delivering tangible enhancements to daily life.

A Call to Unity and Shared Responsibility

To realize our 2026 vision, every Nigerian must contribute. Nation-building demands collective effort.

Let us unite in purpose, embrace patriotism, and discharge our duties with honor and integrity, whether as public servants, entrepreneurs, farmers, or students.

Fellow Nigerians, I wish you a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year.

May the Almighty bless and safeguard our beloved country, shield our troops, and thwart those who seek to sow discord in our peace, security, and stability.

Happy New Year to you all.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

Federal Republic of Nigeria