A Year Of Progress And Unity’: Full Text Of Tinubu’s New Year Message To Nigerians

President Tinubu Optimistic About Stronger Economic Growth in 2026, Outlines Plans for Inclusive Development....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will enter a more robust phase of economic growth in 2026, pointing to improvements in inflation, foreign reserves, and investment inflows as evidence that his administration’s reforms are yielding tangible results.

In his New Year address to Nigerians on Thursday, the President highlighted that the fiscal, monetary, and structural policies implemented in 2025 have stabilized the economy despite global challenges. He pledged to build on these gains through deepened tax reforms, expanded infrastructure investment, strengthened security, and inclusive growth initiatives to improve living standards across the country.

Full Text of Address:

2026: A Year of Stronger Economic Growth

“Fellow Nigerians,

I welcome you to 2026 with gratitude to God and confidence that this year will bring greater prosperity to our nation and all who call Nigeria home.

In 2025, we sustained momentum on key reforms, implementing a fiscal reset and achieving measurable economic progress despite persistent global challenges. These achievements reaffirm that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are delivering results, with more benefits for ordinary Nigerians on the horizon.

Economic Progress and Outlook

As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating gains and building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy. We closed 2025 on a strong note: GDP growth remained robust, trade surpluses were maintained, exchange rate stability improved, and inflation declined below 15%, in line with our targets.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange posted a remarkable 48.12% gain in 2025, continuing the bullish trend that began in 2023. Foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a solid buffer against external shocks, while foreign direct investment rose to $720 million in Q3 2025, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

Fiscal Discipline and Tax Reform

Recently, I presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasizing that fiscal discipline and structural reforms are building a foundation for long-term stability and prosperity. We are implementing tax harmonization policies to reduce the burden of multiple taxation and to ensure a fair and competitive fiscal system that can fund infrastructure and social investments.

Security and National Stability

Economic growth must be matched by peace and security. Our nation continues to face threats from criminal and terrorist elements. In 2026, security agencies will deepen collaboration with regional and international partners to protect lives, property, and the territorial integrity of Nigeria. Decentralized policing, effective forest guards, and accountability will be key to tackling terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.

Inclusive Growth and Social Development

2026 will also mark accelerated implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting at least 10 million Nigerians for productive economic engagement through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining. Ongoing infrastructure projects—roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, and education—will continue to strengthen food security and improve living standards nationwide.

A Call to Unity and Responsibility

Nation-building is a shared responsibility. To achieve our goals in 2026, Nigerians must unite in purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with integrity. Let us commit to being better citizens, neighbors, and stewards of our nation.

I wish all Nigerians a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, safeguard our troops, and overcome all forces seeking to disrupt our peace and stability.

Happy New Year!

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
January 1, 2026