2026 Marks More Robust Phase For Economic Growth —Tinubu

By Jeremy Fregene
President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms will translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, even as former President Goodluck Jonathan urged leaders to anchor governance on service, humility, and integrity as the nation steps into the new year.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, Tinubu said the country was entering 2026 on the back of sustained reforms and measurable economic gains recorded in 2025, despite global economic headwinds. He described the new year as one of consolidation, resilience, and inclusive growth, assuring citizens that the most difficult phase of reforms was yielding results.

According to the President, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong note, recording robust quarterly GDP growth, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent. He said the country maintained trade surpluses, achieved greater exchange rate stability, and recorded a steady decline in inflation, which fell below 15 per cent in line with government targets.

Tinubu also pointed to strong performance in the capital market, noting that the Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating a bullish run that began in the second half of 2023. He added that foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a buffer against external shocks, while foreign direct investment rose sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of the year, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

He said the administration’s focus in 2026 would be on consolidating gains, expanding fiscal space for productive investment, and implementing tax reforms aimed at building a fair and sustainable revenue base. Tinubu stressed that harmonising the tax system across tiers of government would reduce the burden of multiple taxation on citizens and businesses, raise revenue sustainably, and strengthen the capacity of government to invest in infrastructure and social development.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to security, noting that economic progress must go hand in hand with peace and stability. He said security agencies, working with international partners, had sustained operations against terrorist and criminal networks, and pledged deeper cooperation in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security. Tinubu also reiterated his support for decentralised policing, with safeguards and accountability, as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry.

Looking ahead, he said the government would accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the empowerment of at least 10 million Nigerians through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, while continuing investments in infrastructure across key sectors. He called on Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility in nation-building.

In a separate New Year message, former President Goodluck Jonathan called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to recommit to people-centred governance rooted in service, humility, and integrity. Jonathan said the beginning of 2026 should be a moment of reflection and renewed resolve for both leaders and citizens, stressing that leadership must be guided by a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.

He noted that the year gone by had been marked by economic pressures and persistent insecurity, which tested the resilience of Nigerians and brought hardship to many families. According to him, these challenges underscored the need for leadership that prioritises the national interest, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Jonathan praised the resilience, solidarity, and determination displayed by Nigerians in the face of adversity, describing these qualities as among the nation’s greatest strengths and the foundation for unity, peace, and inclusive development. He urged Nigerians to remain committed to patriotism and national unity, expressing hope that 2026 would be a year of steady progress toward justice and shared prosperity.

Both leaders, in their messages, projected 2026 as a year of opportunity and renewal, underscoring the need for sound economic management, ethical leadership, and collective effort to steer Nigeria toward sustainable growth and national cohesion.