President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced an ambitious nationwide empowerment plan aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians through direct grassroots economic engagement. The President disclosed that at least 1,000 citizens in each of the country’s 8,809 wards will be empowered by 2026.
Tinubu made the announcement in his New Year address to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, describing the year as the entry point into a stronger and more sustained phase of economic growth for the country.
According to the President, the initiative will be executed through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a scheme designed to involve more than 10 million Nigerians in productive economic activities across all parts of the federation.
He explained that the programme will focus on strengthening local economies by expanding opportunities in agriculture, trade, food processing, and solid minerals, while ensuring that economic growth reaches communities at the grassroots.
The President said the new year signals the beginning of a more energetic phase of economic expansion, one that will translate into real and visible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu noted that the empowerment programme builds on the economic reforms carried out in 2025, which he described as a year of fiscal reset undertaken in spite of difficult global economic conditions.
He revealed that Nigeria recorded steady economic growth throughout 2025, with positive performance across all quarters, and projected that the country is on course to achieve annual GDP growth exceeding four percent.
The President also said Nigeria maintained trade surpluses during the year, achieved improved exchange rate stability, and recorded a gradual but steady drop in inflation, which fell below 15 percent.
He highlighted the strong performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2025, noting significant market gains, while foreign reserves rose to more than 45 billion dollars by the end of December.
Tinubu added that foreign direct investment increased sharply in 2025, a development he said reflects renewed confidence among international investors in Nigeria’s economic direction.
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On fiscal matters, the President confirmed that the 2026 budget has been presented to the National Assembly and stressed that ongoing tax reforms are essential to sustaining growth and economic stability.
He explained that the reforms are aimed at creating a fair and competitive tax system, boosting government revenue, and strengthening Nigeria’s ability to fund infrastructure and social development projects.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that investments in critical sectors including roads, power, ports, railways, airports, healthcare, education, and agriculture will continue, adding that all ongoing projects will be completed.
Turning to security, the President said economic progress cannot thrive without peace and stability. He disclosed that security forces carried out operations against terrorist groups in parts of the North West and North East in late December.
He reaffirmed his commitment to decentralized policing, supported by properly regulated forest guards, as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry nationwide.
The President concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain united and committed to national development, stressing that building a stronger and more prosperous country is a shared responsibility.
