2026: A Pivotal Year for Nigeria, Says Tinubu

Table of Contents

1. A Turning Point in 2026
2. Economic Progress in 2025
3. Improved Foreign Reserves
4. Fiscal Discipline and Tax Reforms
5. Commitment to Security
6. Plans for Social Development
7. Infrastructure Projects
8. Call for Unity
9. New Year Wishes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured citizens that 2026 will signify a pivotal moment towards enhanced economic growth, better living conditions, and increased security.

In his New Year goodwill message on Wednesday, the President recognized the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the past year, asserting that the challenging economic reforms implemented by his administration are beginning to yield results.

According to Tinubu, despite global economic challenges, Nigeria achieved steady progress in 2025, marked by consistent economic growth, improved exchange rate stability, and a gradual reduction in inflation, which he stated fell below 15 percent by the end of the year.

“We are beginning to see the benefits of the tough decisions we made,” the President remarked, expressing confidence that ordinary Nigerians would perceive the impacts more clearly in the upcoming months.

He highlighted that the economy experienced steady growth throughout 2025, with annual growth anticipated to surpass four percent. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded one of its strongest performances in years, gaining over 48 percent and attracting renewed interest from investors.

Tinubu also emphasized the country’s improved external position, revealing that Nigeria’s foreign reserves increased to $45.4 billion by late December 2025, providing stronger protection for the naira against external shocks.

He added that foreign direct investment surged significantly in the third quarter of the year, a trend he attributed to the growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

Regarding government finances, the President affirmed his administration's commitment to fiscal discipline and fairness, particularly in addressing the burden of multiple taxation faced by citizens and small businesses. He commended states that have adopted harmonized tax systems and assured that tax reforms in 2026 would focus on alleviating pressure on basic consumption while sustainably increasing revenue.

President Tinubu also acknowledged Nigerians’ concerns about insecurity, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He revealed that Nigerian forces, in coordination with international partners, conducted operations against terrorist groups in parts of the Northwest late in 2025 and have maintained pressure on criminal networks across affected regions.

The President stated that security agencies would enhance cooperation both domestically and internationally, while his administration continues to advocate for decentralized policing and properly regulated forest guards as part of long-term solutions to insecurity.

On social development, Tinubu announced plans to expedite the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, aiming to empower at least 10 million Nigerians economically through agriculture, trade, mining, and small-scale processing at the community level.

He assured citizens that key infrastructure projects, including roads, power, railways, ports, healthcare, education, and agriculture, would proceed without interruption, with the goal of enhancing food security and the quality of everyday life.

Calling for unity, the President reminded Nigerians that national progress necessitates collective effort.

“Nation-building is a shared responsibility,” he stated, urging citizens to remain patient, hopeful, and committed to the country’s future.

Tinubu, however, extends his wishes for a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year to Nigerians, while praying for the safety of the nation’s security forces and enduring peace throughout the country.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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