President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that inflation will decline further by 2026, pledging that the benefits of his administration’s economic reforms will be felt in households across the country.
In his New Year’s Day address to mark the beginning of 2026, Tinubu called for patience, unity and shared sacrifice, insisting that Nigeria is on a steady path to recovery despite global economic challenges.
The President said 2025 marked a turning point, with his government sustaining momentum on key reforms, achieving fiscal stability and recording measurable economic gains.
According to him, Nigeria ended 2025 with robust quarterly GDP growth, projected to exceed four per cent annually, alongside improved exchange rate stability, sustained trade surpluses and a steady decline in inflation to below 15 per cent.
Tinubu said foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira, while foreign direct investment rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
He also highlighted gains in the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a 48.12 per cent growth in 2025, outperforming its peers.
On fiscal policy, the President said his administration would intensify tax reforms in 2026 to reduce multiple taxation, harmonise tax laws and create a fairer and more competitive system capable of funding infrastructure and social investments.
Addressing security, Tinubu said economic progress must go hand in hand with peace, noting that security forces, in collaboration with international partners, had intensified operations against terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
He reaffirmed his support for decentralised policing and regulated forest guards as part of long-term efforts to tackle insecurity.
On social development, the President announced plans to scale up the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through agriculture, trade, mining and small-scale enterprise across all wards.
Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace unity and responsibility, stressing that national development is a shared task.
“I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year,” he said, praying for continued peace, security and stability in the country.
