Tinubu Reveals 9 Priority Actions for 2026

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has highlighted nine key priority areas his administration plans to focus on in 2026.

He highlighted this in his New Year’s Goodwill Message to Nigerians released on Thursday, January 1.

He believes that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth.

Reflecting on 2025, he noted that his administration maintained the momentum of major reforms, carried out a fiscal reset, and achieved steady economic progress.

“Despite persistent global economic headwinds, we recorded tangible and measurable gains, particularly in the economy.

“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,” Tinubu said.

Key achievements in 2025

According to the President, despite the policies aimed at fighting inflation, Nigeria has recorded robust GDP growth each quarter, with annualised growth expected to exceed 4 per cent for the year.

He said his administration maintained trade surpluses and achieved greater exchange rate stability.

Headline inflation declined steadily and reached below 15 per cent, in line with the administration’s target.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers, posting a robust “48.12 per cent gain” and consolidating its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.

He further noted that foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) responded positively, noting that in the third quarter of 2025, it rose to $720 million, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter.

Priority areas in 2026

1. President Tinubu promised to consolidate on gains of 2025.

“As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growth-orientated economy,” he said.

2. He said his administration will further reduce inflation.

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

3. He pledged to strengthen foreign reserves further in the new year.

“Supported by sound monetary policy management, our foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira. We expect this position to strengthen further in the new year,” he said.

4. As inflation and interest rates moderate, Tinubu said his administration expects increased fiscal space for productive investment in infrastructure and human capital development.

5. Maintaining that 2026 marks a critical phase in implementing the tax reforms, he said the reform is designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria.

“By harmonising the tax system, governments aim to raise revenue sustainably, address fiscal distortions and strengthen the country’s capacity to finance infrastructure and social investments that will deliver shared prosperity,” Tinubu said.

6. On security, he said his administration 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. I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges,” the President said.

7. He promised to bring 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activities.

“We will accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country,” he pledged.

8. He also promised to stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining.

9. The President said his administration will invest in modern infrastructure to improve living standards.

“We will also continue to invest in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure – roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture – to strengthen food security and improve quality of life,” Tinubu added.