President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 will mark the onset of a stronger economic phase, emphasizing that ongoing reforms are producing measurable outcomes despite global financial uncertainties. In his New Year message, the President highlighted that Nigeria concluded 2025 with robust economic performance, including steady growth, declining inflation, improved currency stability, and growing investor confidence.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s GDP expanded consistently in each quarter of 2025, with projected annual growth expected to surpass 4 percent. Inflation gradually declined below 15 percent, aligning with government targets, while trade surpluses remained intact.
The President also highlighted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) outperformed its peers globally, achieving a 48.12 percent gain in 2025, continuing a bullish trajectory that began in the latter half of 2023.
Strengthened Foreign Reserves and Investment Inflows
On Nigeria’s external economic buffers, Tinubu stated that foreign reserves reached $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong cushion against global economic shocks and supporting the naira. He expressed optimism that the reserves would continue to grow in 2026.
Furthermore, foreign direct investment (FDI) surged to $720 million in Q3 2025, up from $90 million in the previous quarter. The President attributed this to renewed investor confidence and favorable evaluations from global credit rating agencies.
Tax Harmonization and Fiscal Discipline
The President underlined that the 2026 Appropriation Bill, recently presented to the National Assembly, would allow greater fiscal space for strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital development. He also addressed multiple taxation, commending states that adopted harmonized tax laws to reduce excessive levies on citizens and businesses.
“2026 marks a decisive phase for tax reforms, aimed at sustainable revenue generation, correcting fiscal imbalances, and financing infrastructure and social programs,” he said.
Security Initiatives and Decentralized Policing
President Tinubu stressed that economic progress must coincide with peace and security, acknowledging ongoing threats from terrorist groups and criminal networks. On December 24, decisive operations were conducted against terrorist strongholds in the North-West in collaboration with international partners, including the United States.
Security agencies are expected to strengthen collaboration with regional and global partners in 2026, while the government plans to implement decentralized policing, supported by regulated forest guards, as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and banditry.
Internal Link Suggestion: Read about Nigeria’s national security framework here.
Inclusive Growth and Social Development Programs
President Tinubu announced the acceleration of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting 10 million Nigerians across 8,809 wards through empowerment initiatives. The focus will be on agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, designed to boost local economies and create grassroots opportunities.
Infrastructure investment will continue across roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture, reinforcing food security and improving quality of life nationwide.
The President urged citizens to embrace unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility, calling on Nigerians to be better citizens, neighbours, and stewards of the nation. He also prayed for the safety of Nigeria’s military personnel and the defeat of forces threatening national peace.
National Assembly Endorses 2025 Reforms as Foundation for Recovery
The National Assembly hailed 2025 as a defining year for Nigeria, citing reforms in taxation, governance, electoral processes, and national security as a foundation for economic recovery in 2026.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the legislature worked closely with other government arms to implement reforms while preserving constitutional independence.
“From tax reforms to constitutional adjustments, 2025 set the stage for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Bamidele stated.
Landmark Tax Reform Act
Bamidele identified the 2025 Tax Reforms Act as the most significant legislation, effective January 1, 2026, aimed at harmonizing Nigeria’s tax system, eliminating multiple taxation, and improving resource flow to citizens, particularly at the lower economic strata.
He encouraged Nigerians to familiarize themselves with the new tax provisions, designed to resolve long-standing fiscal challenges and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness globally through modernized tax administration.
Constitutional and Electoral Reforms
On constitutional matters, the 1999 Constitution review has advanced, with proposed amendments ready for transmission to State Houses of Assembly, aimed at devolving powers to sub-national governments for better governance.
Electoral reforms, including the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, are nearing completion. The bill is intended to enhance the credibility and transparency of elections and will be fast-tracked for presidential assent in early 2026.
National Security Initiatives
The Senate Leader confirmed the conclusion of public hearings for the National Security Summit across six geopolitical zones. Scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in Abuja, the summit will consolidate recommendations to strengthen internal security, combat violent extremism, and enhance collaboration with international partners.
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