New Year: 2026 will be turning point for Nigeria – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured citizens that New Year 2026 will mark a turning point toward stronger economic growth, improved living conditions and security.

In his New Year goodwill message on Wednesday, the President acknowledged the sacrifices Nigerians have made over the past year, insisting that the tough economic reforms introduced by his administration are beginning to show results.

According to Tinubu, despite global economic challenges, Nigeria recorded steady progress in 2025, with consistent economic growth, improved exchange rate stability, and a gradual decline in inflation, which he said fell below 15 per cent by year’s end.

“We are starting to see the benefits of the difficult decisions we took,” the President said, expressing confidence that ordinary Nigerians would feel the impact more clearly in the months ahead.

He noted that the economy grew steadily throughout 2025, with annual growth expected to exceed four per cent, while the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded one of its strongest performances in years, gaining over 48 per cent and attracting renewed investor interest.

Tinubu also pointed to the country’s improved external position, revealing that Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose to $45.4 billion by late December 2025, offering stronger protection for the naira against external shocks.

He added that foreign direct investment climbed sharply in the third quarter of the year, a development he attributed to growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.

On government finances, the President said his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline and fairness, particularly in addressing the burden of multiple taxation faced by citizens and small businesses. He praised states that have adopted harmonised tax systems and promised that tax reforms in 2026 would focus on easing pressure on basic consumption while raising revenue in a sustainable way.

President Tinubu also acknowledged Nigerians’ concerns over insecurity, reaffirming his commitment to protecting lives and property. He disclosed that Nigerian forces, working with international partners, carried out coordinated operations against terrorist groups in parts of the Northwest late in 2025 and have continued pressure on criminal networks across affected regions.

The President said security agencies would strengthen cooperation at home and abroad, while his administration continues to push for decentralised policing and properly regulated forest guards as part of long-term solutions to insecurity.

On social development, Tinubu announced plans to fast-track the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme in 2026, targeting at least 10 million Nigerians for economic empowerment through agriculture, trade, mining, and small-scale processing at the community level.

He assured citizens that key infrastructure projects covering roads, power, railways, ports, healthcare, education, and agriculture would continue without disruption, with the aim of improving food security and everyday quality of life.

Calling for unity, the President reminded Nigerians that national progress requires collective effort.

“Nation-building is a shared responsibility,” he said, urging citizens to remain patient, hopeful, and committed to the country’s future.

Tinubu, however, wishes Nigerians a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, while praying for the safety of the nation’s security forces and lasting peace across the country.