President Bola Tinubu has pledged deeper global security partnerships and sustained economic reforms in 2026, declaring that Nigeria’s recovery and long-term prosperity depend on the twin pillars of security and inclusive growth.

The President made this known in his 2026 New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, expressing confidence that the country is firmly on the path to stability and recovery following major fiscal, economic, and security reforms implemented in 2025.

“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,” Mr. Tinubu said.

He noted that despite global economic headwinds, his administration sustained reform momentum throughout 2025, recording measurable progress across key indicators.

“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,” the President said.

Security and Global Cooperation

Mr. Tinubu said Nigeria continues to confront threats from criminal and terrorist elements seeking to undermine national stability and territorial integrity. He stressed that addressing these threats requires closer collaboration with regional and international partners.

“In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the North-West on December 24,” he said.

According to the President, sustained military operations are ongoing across the North-West and North-East.

“Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the North-West and North-East,” he said.

He added that in 2026, security agencies will intensify intelligence-sharing and operational coordination with global partners.

“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security,” Mr. Tinubu said.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and national sovereignty, the President 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,” he said.

Economic Outlook and Reform Gains

On the economy, Mr. Tinubu said the focus in 2026 would be on consolidating reform gains and building a resilient, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy.

“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 disclosed that Nigeria recorded robust quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2025, with annualised growth expected to exceed four per cent. He added that the gains were accompanied by trade surpluses and improved exchange-rate stability.

According to him, inflation declined steadily during the year, falling below 15 per cent in line with government targets.

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

He revealed that Nigeria’s external reserves stood at 45.4 billion dollars as of December 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 also said foreign direct investment responded positively in 2025, rising sharply in the third quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

“This reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, which global credit rating agencies have consistently affirmed,” he added.

Grassroots Growth and Infrastructure

Mr. Tinubu said 2026 would mark a more robust phase of inclusive economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

“The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people,” he said.

He announced accelerated implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aimed at bringing at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.

“We will accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity,” he said.

According to him, the programme is designed to empower at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, with agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining identified as key drivers of grassroots expansion.

“Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities,” the President said.

He assured Nigerians that all ongoing infrastructure projects would continue without disruption.

“All ongoing projects will continue without interruption,” he said.

Fiscal Discipline, Unity, and Nation-Building

On fiscal policy, Mr. Tinubu said the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflects his administration’s commitment to discipline and 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 added that the new year marks a critical phase in implementing tax reforms aimed at harmonisation, fairness, and competitiveness.

“Our tax reforms are designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria,” the President said, assuring that the reforms would strengthen infrastructure financing, social investment, and shared prosperity.

Calling for unity, Mr. 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 said.

He concluded with prayers for peace, security, and national stability, while wishing Nigerians 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,” the President said.