*Pledges robust economic growth, prosperity
WorldStage– President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate all threats to Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity.
The President on Thursday in his 2026 New Year message to Nigerians said, “My fellow Nigerians, the path of reform is never easy, but it is necessary. We remain mindful that economic progress must be accompanied by security and peace.”
He said Nigeria continued to confront threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt national stability.
He recalled recent coordinated actions with international partners, including the U.S. to degrade terror networks.
“In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.”
He added that sustained military operations were ongoing across the Northwest and Northeast.
“Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.”
Tinubu said security agencies would intensify intelligence-sharing and operational coordination in the new year.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security.”
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives, property and national sovereignty.
“We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country.”
He reiterated his support for decentralised policing as part of long-term security reforms.
“I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical.”
Tinubu said the new year would usher in a more robust phase of inclusive economic growth.
“The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people.”
He announced accelerated implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
“We will accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.”
The President said the programme would empower at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.
Tinubu said agriculture, trade, food processing and mining would drive grassroots economic expansion.
“Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.”
He assured Nigerians that all ongoing infrastructure projects would continue without disruption.
“All ongoing projects will continue without interruption.”
Calling for unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace shared responsibility in nation-building.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.”
He prayed for peace, security and national stability in the 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.”
The president wished Nigerians a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year.
ROBUST ECONOMIC GROWTH, PROSPERITY
President Tinubu also pledged sustained economic growth, lower inflation and shared prosperity for Nigerians in 2026, saying the gains of recent reforms will deepen in the new year.
The president expressed confidence that the country was firmly on the path of recovery after major fiscal and economic reforms implemented in 2025.
He said,“I welcome you all to 2026, with gratitude to God and confidence in our collective resolve that this new year will be a more prosperous one for our nation, our citizens, and all who call Nigeria home.”
Tinubu said the government sustained the momentum of its reforms in 2025, recording measurable progress despite global economic headwinds.
“During 2025, we sustained the momentum on our major reforms. We had a fiscal reset and also recorded steady economic progress,” he said.
The president noted that the reforms, though difficult, were necessary and were already yielding results for the economy.
He added, “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.”
On economic outlook, Tinubu said the focus in 2026 would be on consolidating gains and building a resilient, inclusive and growth-oriented economy.
“We closed 2025 on a strong note,” he said.
He disclosed that Nigeria recorded robust quarterly GDP growth in 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent, alongside trade surpluses and improved exchange rate stability.
He added, “Inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with our target. In 2026, we are determined to reduce inflation further and ensure that the benefits of reform reach every Nigerian household.”
Tinubu said Nigeria’s external reserves stood at 45.4 billion dollars as of Dec. 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira.
“Our foreign reserves provide a substantial buffer against external shocks, and we expect this position to strengthen further in the new year,” he said.
The president said foreign direct investment responded positively in 2025, rising sharply in the third quarter.
“This reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies have consistently affirmed,” he said.
On fiscal discipline, Tinubu said the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflected the administration’s commitment to long-term stability.
“With patience, fiscal discipline and unity of purpose, Nigeria will emerge in 2026 stronger and better positioned for sustained growth,” he said.
He said the new year marked a critical phase in implementing tax reforms aimed at harmonisation and fairness.
“Our tax reforms are designed to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He assured Nigerians that the reforms would strengthen infrastructure financing, social investment and shared prosperity.
