2026 Will Be Better For Nigerians — Tinubu Assures As Inflation Falls Below 15%

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that 2026 will mark a more prosperous phase for the country, citing easing inflation, sustained economic growth and improving investor confidence as evidence that his administration’s reforms are yielding results.

In his New Year goodwill message on Wednesday, the president said Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong economic footing despite global headwinds.

Tinubu said inflation, which had been a major burden on households, declined steadily and fell below 15 per cent by the end of 2025, aligning with the government’s target.

The nation’s leader noted that the economy recorded “robust GDP growth each quarter”, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent, while trade surpluses and exchange rate stability were maintained.

According to him, “these achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction”.

The president also highlighted gains in the financial markets, saying the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers with a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, extending 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, providing a strong buffer for the naira, and expressed confidence that the position would improve further in the new year.

On investment flows, Tinubu said foreign direct investment responded positively to the reform agenda, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter.

He said this reflected renewed investor confidence, which had been affirmed 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.

Mr President stressed that fiscal discipline and tax reforms would remain central in 2026, with renewed efforts to harmonise taxes and reduce the burden of multiple taxation across all tiers of government.

He said the goal was to raise revenue sustainably while creating room for increased investment in infrastructure and human capital as inflation and interest rates moderate.

Beyond macroeconomic indicators, the president said the new year would bring more tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians through inclusive growth initiatives.

The President announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at bringing at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering 1,000 people in each of the country’s wards.

“Through agriculture, trade, food processing and mining, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities,” he 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, saying, “The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people.”