President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 will usher in a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, expressing confidence that the new year will bring greater prosperity to the nation, its citizens, and all who call the country home.
In his New Year address titled “2026 Marks the Beginning of a More Robust Phase of Economic Growth,” the President said the economic reforms implemented by his administration are yielding results and steadily repositioning the country on a stronger footing. According to him, the benefits of these reforms will become more visible to ordinary Nigerians in the months ahead.
Welcoming Nigerians into the new year, Tinubu said the country enters 2026 with gratitude and renewed confidence in its collective resolve to build a more prosperous and stable economy. He noted that despite global economic pressures, Nigeria recorded measurable progress throughout 2025, particularly in key economic indicators.
The President explained that the past year was defined by what he described as a fiscal reset, alongside sustained momentum in structural reforms. He said these steps, though difficult, were necessary to correct long-standing imbalances and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic note, recording consistent quarterly GDP growth despite policies aimed at curbing inflation. He said annualised growth is projected to exceed four per cent, while the country maintained trade surpluses and achieved improved exchange rate stability.
He added that inflation declined steadily during the year, falling below 15 per cent in line with government targets. The President assured Nigerians that his administration is determined to push inflation even lower in 2026 and ensure that the gains of reform translate into real relief for households across the country.
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Highlighting developments in the capital market, Tinubu said the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed many of its peers in 2025, posting a 48.12 per cent gain and sustaining the bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023. He described the performance as a clear signal of growing investor confidence.
On external reserves, the President revealed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, supported by prudent monetary policy management. He said this position provides a solid buffer against external shocks and expressed optimism that reserves would strengthen further in the new year.
Tinubu also pointed to a sharp rise in foreign direct investment, noting that inflows increased to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the previous quarter. He said the surge reflects renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, a view that has been echoed by global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s.
As Nigeria steps into 2026, the President said the government’s priority is to consolidate existing gains while building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy that delivers growth and opportunity for all Nigerians.
