President Bola Tinubu has declared that 2026 will usher Nigeria into a more robust phase of economic growth, with his administration committed to further reducing inflation, strengthening foreign reserves and sustaining the country’s gross domestic product growth trajectory.

In his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, the President expressed confidence in the collective resolve of the nation, stating that the new year would be more prosperous for the country, its citizens and all who call Nigeria home.

Tinubu said that throughout 2025, his administration sustained momentum on key reforms, achieved a fiscal reset and recorded steady economic progress. He noted that despite persistent global economic headwinds, Nigeria recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economic sector.

“These achievements reaffirm our belief that the difficult but necessary reforms we embarked upon are moving us in the right direction with more concrete results on the horizon for the ordinary Nigerian,” he stated.

The President disclosed that Nigeria ended 2025 on a strong footing, with annualised GDP growth projected to exceed four per cent for the year.

He added that trade surpluses were maintained, exchange rate stability improved and inflation declined steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with the administration’s stated target.

“In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household,” he said.

Tinubu also highlighted the performance of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, noting that it recorded a robust 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, consolidating the bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.

On foreign reserves, the President disclosed that sound monetary policy management had pushed reserves to $45.4bn as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. He expressed optimism that this position would strengthen further in the new year.

Foreign direct investment, he said, also showed strong positive response, with inflows rising to $720m in the third quarter of 2025 from $90m in the preceding quarter. According to him, this reflected renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch and Standard and Poor’s, had consistently affirmed and applauded.

Tinubu recalled that he recently presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, emphasising that his administration had implemented critical reforms that laid a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.

“With patience, fiscal discipline, and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth,” he said.

The President stated that as inflation and interest rates moderate, the administration expects increased fiscal space for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital development.

He commended states that had aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda by adopting harmonised tax laws aimed at reducing the excessive burden of taxes, levies and fees on citizens and basic consumption.

According to Tinubu, the new year marks a critical phase in the implementation of tax reforms designed to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.

On security, the President acknowledged that the nation continues to face threats from criminal and terrorist elements.

He disclosed that in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.

Tinubu said the Armed Forces had since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.

“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security. We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country,” the President stated.

He reiterated his belief that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards and anchored on accountability, was critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry and related security challenges.

The President also announced plans to accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at bringing at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards nationwide.

He said the programme would stimulate local economies through agriculture, trade, food processing and mining, while investment would continue in modernising infrastructure such as roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.

Tinubu called on all Nigerians to play their part in nation-building, describing it as a shared responsibility that demands unity of purpose, patriotism and service with honour and integrity.

“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.

“We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles. Let us resolve to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better stewards of our nation.

“Fellow Nigerians, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability,” he stated.

Meanwhile, governors and other political leaders across the country also reflected on the trials of the outgoing year, calling for unity, resilience and renewed commitment to governance, security and economic recovery.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, urged Nigerians to remain positive and hopeful about the future.

In his New Year message released on Wednesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas called on citizens to look forward to 2026 with optimism and to continue working collectively for the unity and progress of the country.

Reflecting on the outgoing year, the Speaker said that despite its challenges, 2025 recorded commendable strides in good governance and improvements in national security, particularly with successes recorded in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He appealed to Nigerians across all divides to strengthen national cohesion and commitment to peace-building.

“In every new dawn lies a promise,” the Speaker said, commending Nigerians for their patience, perseverance and contributions towards building a stronger nation.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, said social pressures and security challenges tested the resilience of his administration in 2025.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Obed Nana, Bago said the state stood firm through unity, patience and unwavering faith in government.

He noted that Niger State experienced major security challenges in 2025, including tanker explosions that claimed many lives, boat accidents and terrorist abductions, particularly of schoolchildren in November.

Bago urged residents to continue supporting his administration as it pursued the New Niger Agenda anchored on good governance, security and economic revitalisation.

“The outgoing year tested our resilience as a people, particularly in moments of security challenges and social pressures. Yet, through unity, patience, and unwavering faith in government, Niger State stood firm.

“I sincerely thank the people of Niger State for their trust, cooperation, and steadfast support at critical moments, which greatly strengthened our collective response and progress,” he said.

He promised that his government would remain committed to transparent communication, responsive leadership and policies that place citizens’ welfare at the centre of governance.

A former Kaduna State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Ahmed Makarfi, urged Nigerians to remain united and resilient in the New Year.

In his message issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, he acknowledged the hardships faced by citizens in the past year but expressed optimism for a better future.

According to him, Nigerians must confront national challenges together as a united people bound by shared hopes and a promising destiny.

“As we exit the year 2025, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to all Nigerians,” Makarfi said, praying that the New Year would offer “a renewed opportunity to strengthen our resolve and collectively overcome our challenges.”

Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, renewal and collective resolve as the country enters 2026.

In his New Year message to his constituents, Lagos State and Nigerians at large, Abiru described the new year as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to progress and prosperity.

He reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that promote economic stability and inclusive growth, stressing that development must reach every ward, community and household across Lagos East.

Abiru urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu as it implemented policies aimed at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure and expanding opportunities.

The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese of Ondo State, Stephen Fagbemi, called on Christians and all Nigerians to embrace peace and love in the New Year.

In a New Year message delivered through the Public Relations Officer of the diocese, Banjo Abitogun, the cleric expressed optimism that the year would be one of high hope and fresh opportunities for Christians with “unwavering faith in God, renewed commitment to righteous living, and genuine love for one another.”

He also prayed for Nigeria, asking God to grant the nation wise leadership, economic recovery, security of lives and property and unity among all citizens.

The Young Progressives Party urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite widespread frustration arising from past electoral experiences.

The party made the call in a New Year message issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins.

Public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process declined sharply following the 2023 general elections, which were marred by widespread complaints of technical glitches, particularly the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal to upload polling unit results in real time.

The disruptions triggered protests, legal challenges and persistent allegations of manipulation, reinforcing calls for comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.

Martins appealed to Nigerians to intensify civic engagement and political participation, describing the period as decisive for the country’s democracy.

“Though the journey has been difficult and often discouraging, surrendering our sovereignty must never translate into docility or silence in the face of bad governance.

“The YPP calls on Nigerians not to be discouraged by the experiences of previous elections.

“Rather, citizens must mobilise like never before in this penultimate election year to reclaim their power at the ballot in 2027 and vote out incompetent, corrupt and insensitive leadership. The future of our democracy depends on active participation, not apathy,” he said.

The party urged Nigerians to demand accountability from public office holders, particularly in light of fiscal reforms expected to increase government revenue.

“Nigerians must begin to ask critical questions, demand answers and closely scrutinise public spending, especially with the advent of the new tax law, which is expected to widen the tax net and significantly increase government revenue.

“Democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable. Increased revenue without transparency, accountability and prudence will only deepen public mistrust and hardship,” he stated.

The YPP warned against the politicisation of anti-graft agencies, insisting that selective justice undermines democracy and weakens public institutions.

“We strongly warn against the weaponisation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-corruption agencies against political opponents.

“The fight against corruption must be sincere, impartial and devoid of political bias. Selective justice weakens institutions and erodes public confidence in governance,” he said.

On the newly introduced tax law, the party maintained that Nigeria’s fiscal crisis was rooted more in poor expenditure management than revenue shortfalls.

Martins criticised what he described as extravagant spending by public officials and called for accountability before full implementation of the law.

“Nigeria’s major challenge has never been revenue generation but the reckless, wasteful and opaque expenditure of public funds.

“Nigerians are not opposed to paying taxes; rather, they are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency, probity and discipline in the management of our commonwealth.

“It is unacceptable for taxpayers’ money to be used to fund religious pilgrimages, purchase private jets and yachts, procure luxury SUVs for members of the National Assembly and sustain the looting and frivolous lifestyle of a reckless political elite.”

“We therefore call on the government to urgently resolve all discrepancies associated with the new tax law before implementation.

“More importantly, those responsible for the discrepancies must be thoroughly investigated, apprehended and punished in accordance with the law,” Martins urged.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, assured residents that his administration would consolidate achievements recorded in 2025 as the state enters the new year, with focus on security, education, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

In his New Year message released in Sokoto on Wednesday, Aliyu said 2026 would be a year of consolidation and accelerated development guided by his administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda.

He said peace and security would remain central to development and disclosed that the government had developed a new blueprint to further support security agencies in tackling banditry, particularly in the 13 affected local government areas.

“We have already drawn up a blueprint on how to further assist security agencies in the areas of logistics, intelligence gathering and intelligence sharing,” the governor said.

Aliyu urged security agencies to intensify operations in the new year and called on residents, especially in frontline communities, to provide timely and credible information.

He also appealed to communities to expose individuals exhibiting suspicious behaviour or living above their means, noting that vigilance would help dismantle criminal informant networks.

On education and religious development, the governor announced plans to construct new Islamiyya schools and rehabilitate those in poor condition, alongside completing renovations in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

He said ongoing housing projects in Wajake, Gidan Salanke and Sokoto New City, as well as rural and township road projects, would be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026.

Aliyu reaffirmed commitment to economic empowerment programmes, including NG-CARES and Ahmadu-CARES, targeting youths and women, while also promising improved water supply through completion of ongoing projects.

In agriculture, he said contracts had been awarded for tractor procurement to boost mechanised farming, while the health sector would benefit from renovated facilities and modern medical equipment.

“By the grace of Almighty Allah, we will ensure the successful actualisation of all these projects in 2026,” he assured.

Governor Aliyu thanked the people of Sokoto State for their support and wished Nigerians a prosperous New Year.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable, describing responsible and people-oriented leadership as essential to addressing economic and security challenges.

In his New Year message, Amaechi said 2025 tested the nation’s resilience, with many families facing economic hardship, rising living costs and insecurity.

He called on Nigerians to make the new year a turning point in the pursuit of peace, unity, improved security, economic stability and overall well-being.

Amaechi stressed that citizens must collectively demand responsible, responsive, transparent and accountable leadership.

He also called for economic reforms that would create jobs, reduce poverty, ensure affordable healthcare, housing and food, and guarantee quality education for all Nigerians.