Tinubu Pledges to Build on Economic Gains, Boost Growth and Security in 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today pledged to intensify efforts to consolidate Nigeria’s recent economic gains and steer the nation toward stronger, more inclusive growth in 2026.
In his New Year address to Nigerians, the president highlighted improvements in key economic indicators during 2025, crediting them to ongoing fiscal reforms and policy initiatives by his administration. According to the speech, Nigeria ended the year on a “strong note,” recording sustained quarterly GDP growth, with annualised expansion expected above 4 %, as well as trade surpluses and greater foreign exchange stability. Inflation, he said, declined steadily to below 15 per cent, aligning with government targets and reinforcing confidence in the economy’s recovery trajectory.
Despite global economic challenges, he noted the Nigerian Exchange’s robust performance and a significant rebound in foreign direct investment, which rose to $720 million in mid-2025 from much lower levels earlier in the year. Credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s have affirmatively cited the positive direction of Nigeria’s economic reforms.
Looking ahead, Tinubu said the focus in 2026 will be on deepening the benefits of reform, especially through further inflation reduction and expanding opportunities for ordinary households. A central feature of his plans is the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to empower at least 10 million Nigerians by catalysing productive economic activity, such as agriculture, trade, food processing and mining, in all 8,809 communities nationwide.
The president also reaffirmed his administration’s tax harmonisation drive, aimed at reducing multiple levies and creating a fairer, more efficient revenue system to support infrastructure and social investments. He commended states adopting the harmonisation agenda and pledged a more competitive fiscal framework going forward.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups and outlined plans for enhanced cooperation with regional and international partners. He reiterated support for decentralised policing and regulated forest guards as part of a broader effort to safeguard citizens and bolster national stability.
Acknowledging that reforms can be difficult and affect lives in the short term, the president called for unity, patience and collective purpose, emphasising that progress requires shared responsibility from all Nigerians.