President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration remains resolute in its efforts to further reduce inflation and ensure that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms reach every household in 2026.
In his New Year message, the President declared 2026 as the beginning of a “more robust phase of economic growth,” citing signs of recovery and a clearer economic direction.
He said the government had laid a strong foundation for sustainable development through strategic reforms focused on grassroots empowerment and national stability.
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Reflecting on what he described as the “fiscal reset” of 2025, Tinubu acknowledged the initial hardships associated with the reforms but stressed that they were now delivering tangible benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
He expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, supported by key performance indicators from the previous year.
According to the President, Nigeria recorded consistent GDP growth in each quarter of 2025, with the annualised growth rate projected to exceed four per cent.
He also noted that inflation had steadily declined to below 15% following aggressive policy interventions, meeting the administration’s target.
Tinubu further disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer and enhancing macroeconomic stability.
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He added that the 2026 Appropriation Bill was designed to prioritise long-term economic stability and sustainable growth.
A major policy focus for the new year, he said, is the National Tax Harmonisation Agenda.
The President commended state governments for adopting unified tax laws aimed at eliminating multiple taxation and reducing what he described as the excessive burden on basic consumption.
He explained that as interest rates moderate, the government will gain more fiscal space to increase investment in critical infrastructure and human capital development.
On national security, Tinubu confirmed that the Nigerian military, in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, conducted successful strikes against terrorist targets in the North-West on December 24.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and reiterated support for decentralised policing with appropriate safeguards.
The President also endorsed the establishment of properly regulated forest guard units to secure rural and agrarian corridors, alongside deeper regional cooperation and enhanced intelligence sharing to dismantle banditry and terrorist networks.
Highlighting plans for grassroots economic inclusion, Tinubu announced a massive economic stimulus under the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at bringing 10 million Nigerians into productive activities.
The initiative targets the empowerment of at least 1,000 people in each of the country’s 8,809 wards, with a focus on agriculture, mining, and food processing.
He assured Nigerians that all ongoing government projects would continue without interruption, stressing that the administration’s policies were designed to stimulate local economies and create sustainable livelihoods.
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Tinubu reminded citizens that nation-building is a collective responsibility, calling for patriotism, integrity, and unity. He urged Nigerians to be better stewards of the nation in the year ahead.
“May God keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace,” the President said.
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