Tinubu expressed this in his New Year message on Thursday, adding that his administration will maintain momentum on its major reforms.
“During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress.
“Despite persistent global economic headwinds, we achieved tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy.
Consolidating Gains
Tinubu said that the focus in 2026 would be on consolidating the gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy.
According to him, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong note. Despite policies to fight inflation, it recorded robust GDP growth each quarter, with annualized growth expected to exceed four percent for the year.
Tinubu explained that the nation maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability while inflation steadily declined and dropped below 15 percent, aligning with his administration’s target.
“In 2026, we are determined to further reduce inflation and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household. In 2025, the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers, posting a strong 48.12 percent gain and continuing its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.
“Supported by sound monetary policy management, our foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. We expect this position to strengthen further this year,” he said.
“Foreign direct investment is also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI increased to $720 million, up from $90 million in the previous quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic course, which global credit rating agencies including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, have consistently affirmed and applauded,” Tinubu added.
**Tax Reform**
The President further assured that with patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria would emerge stronger and better positioned for sustained growth in 2026.
He noted that as inflation and interest rates normalize, his administration expects increased fiscal space for productive investments in infrastructure and human capital development.
“We are also tackling the challenge of multiple taxation across all levels of government. I commend states that have aligned with the national tax harmonization agenda by adopting harmonized tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on our people and on basic consumption.
The new year marks a critical phase in implementing our tax reforms, aimed at building a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.
**National Security**
Tinubu said that while reform paths can be difficult, his administration remains aware that economic progress must go hand in hand with security and peace.
“Our nation continues to face security threats from criminal and terrorist groups aiming to disrupt our way of life. In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.
Our Armed Forces have since conducted operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds in the Northwest and Northeast,” he said.
However, the President stated that in 2026, Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security.
“We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country.
I continue to believe that a decentralized policing system with proper safeguards, complemented by well-regulated forest guards, all built on accountability, is crucial to effectively address terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges,” he added.
Investment in Infrastructure
The new year marks the start of a more aggressive phase of economic growth, with visible improvements in the lives of our people.
Tinubu also said his government would accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to engage at least 10 million Nigerians in productive economic activities by empowering around 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.
“Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.
We will also continue investing in modernizing Nigeria’s infrastructure—roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture—to strengthen food security and improve quality of life. All ongoing projects will proceed without interruption,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to do their part to help reach these goals in 2026 by uniting in purpose, upholding patriotism, and serving the country with honor and integrity in their roles.
Let us commit to becoming better citizens, neighbors, and stewards of our nation.