The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that in this new year (2026) it would focus on consolidating the economic gains so far achieved by the administration.
This is just as it disclosed that the security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of the country.
President Bola Tinubu who stated this on Thursday in his New Year Message to Nigerians, noted that despite persistent global economic headwinds, the administration recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy, after fiscal reset.
“As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy. We closed 2025 on a strong note,” he said.
The President explained that despite the policies to fight inflation, Nigeria recorded a robust GDP growth each quarter, with annualised growth expected to exceed 4 per cent for the year.
“We maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability. Inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target.
“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household.
“In 2025, the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers, posting a robust 48.12 per cent gain and consolidating 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 in the new year.
“Foreign direct investment is also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720 million, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, have consistently affirmed and applauded,” he noted.
While stating that the administration has implemented critical reforms that are laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity, President Tinubu said with patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria would emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth.
He commended the states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws to reduce the excessive burden of taxes, levies, and fees on the people and on basic consumption.
Noting that the new year marks a critical phase in implementing the tax reforms, designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.
“By harmonising our tax system, we aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen our capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity,” he added.
Declaring that economic progress must be accompanied by security and peace, President Tinubu said the nation continues to confront security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined 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 sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will 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 decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges,” he added.
The President said the administration would accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country.
He said through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, the administration would stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.
“We will also continue to invest in modernising 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 continue without interruption,” he added.
President Tinubu called on all Nigerians to support the administration to achieve the set objectives. Noting Nation-building is a shared responsibility.
“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles,” he said.
