Amid persistent security challenges ranging from terrorism and banditry to other forms of criminality, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday assured Nigerians that his administration remains firmly committed to restoring peace and stability while steering the country into a more robust phase of economic growth in 2026.
In his New Year goodwill message to the nation, the President acknowledged ongoing threats to national security, stressing that economic progress must go hand in hand with peace and safety.
He disclosed that Nigerian security forces, working with international partners including the United States, carried out decisive actions against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24, with sustained military operations continuing across the Northwest and Northeast.
President Tinubu stated that security and intelligence agencies would deepen their cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security, protect lives and property, and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He reiterated his support for a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, alongside properly regulated forest guards, as part of broader efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and related crimes.
Despite the security headwinds, the President said 2025 marked a year of significant economic reforms and measurable progress. According to him, the government sustained momentum on major reforms, including a fiscal reset, which helped stabilise the economy in the face of global economic challenges.
Tinubu said Nigeria recorded robust quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent.
He noted that the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability and reduced inflation to below 15 per cent, in line with government targets. He pledged to further reduce inflation in 2026 to ensure that the benefits of reforms reach Nigerian households.
Highlighting developments in the capital market, the President said the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers in 2025, posting a 48.12 per cent gain and extending a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023. He also said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks to the naira.
On foreign investment, Tinubu revealed that foreign direct investment rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, from $90 million in the preceding quarter, attributing the increase to renewed investor confidence.
He added that global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s, had consistently affirmed Nigeria’s economic direction.
The President also spoke on fiscal discipline and tax reforms, referencing the 2026 Appropriation Bill recently presented to the National Assembly.
He said the administration was laying a solid foundation for long-term stability through patience, discipline and unity of purpose. As inflation and interest rates moderate, he said the government expects increased fiscal space for infrastructure and human capital investment.
Tinubu acknowledged the burden of multiple taxation and commended states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda. He said 2026 would be a critical year for implementing tax reforms aimed at building a fair, competitive and robust fiscal system capable of sustainably funding infrastructure and social investments.
On inclusive growth, the President announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, to bring about 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.
He said agriculture, trade, food processing and mining would be prioritised to stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.
He further assured Nigerians that investments in infrastructure covering roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education and agriculture would continue without interruption to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to uphold patriotism and integrity in nation-building. He wished citizens a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year and prayed for the protection of the country and its security forces.
“The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth,” the President said, expressing confidence that Nigeria would emerge stronger in 2026 despite prevailing security and economic challenges.
