President Bola Tinubu says 2026 will be better for Nigerians as inflation drops below 15%, GDP growth strengthens, foreign investment rises, and reforms begin to yield results
2026 Will Be Better for Nigerians — Tinubu Assures as Inflation Drops Below 15%
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 will usher in a more prosperous phase for the country, citing easing inflation, sustained economic growth and renewed investor confidence as clear signs that his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
In his New Year goodwill message released on Wednesday, the President said Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic footing despite persistent global economic pressures.
Tinubu disclosed that inflation — which had weighed heavily on households and businesses — declined steadily and fell below 15 per cent by the end of 2025, in line with the Federal Government’s target.
According to him, the country also recorded “robust GDP growth each quarter,” with annualised economic expansion projected to exceed four per cent, alongside improved trade balances and relative exchange rate stability.
“These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction,” the President said.
Highlighting developments in the financial markets, Tinubu noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed many global peers, posting a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025 and extending a bullish rally that began in the second half of 2023.
He added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, providing a strong buffer for the naira and reinforcing confidence in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.
On investment inflows, the President said foreign direct investment responded positively to the reform agenda, rising sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the previous quarter.
According to Tinubu, the surge reflected renewed investor confidence, a sentiment also echoed by global credit rating agencies.
“As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive and growth-oriented economy,” he said.
The President stressed that fiscal discipline and tax reforms would remain central to government policy in 2026, with renewed efforts to harmonise taxes and curb the burden of multiple taxation across all levels of government.
He explained that the objective was to boost revenue sustainably while creating room for increased investment in infrastructure and human capital, especially as inflation and interest rates begin to moderate.
Beyond macroeconomic indicators, Tinubu said Nigerians should expect more tangible improvements in their daily lives through inclusive growth initiatives.
He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, designed to integrate at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering 1,000 people in each ward nationwide.
“Through agriculture, trade, food processing and mining, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities,” the President said.
Calling for unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, noting that “nation-building is a collective task.”
He expressed optimism about the year ahead, adding: “The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people.”
