As Nigerians around the world welcomed the dawn of 2026 on January 1, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered his annual New Year message, laying out his administration’s vision, priorities, and expectations for the year ahead.
Below is a comprehensive summary and full text highlights of the President’s address to the nation, with all key points drawn from the verified published speech.
Opening Remarks
President Tinubu began his address by expressing gratitude to God and appreciation for Nigerians’ collective resilience. He described 2026 as a year of renewed hope and greater prosperity for the nation — one that will build on the reforms and progress made during the previous year.
“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.”
He emphasised that despite global economic challenges, the reforms pursued in 2025 yielded measurable gains and that Nigeria ended the year on a strong economic footing.
Economic Progress and Outlook
The President outlined key economic highlights and the government’s outlook for the new year:
- Steady economic recovery in 2025 with measurable improvements in growth indicators.
- Nigeria achieved robust GDP growth, with expected annualised growth exceeding 4%.
- Inflation declined, at one point falling to below 15%, aided by fiscal and monetary stability.
- Exports and trade surpluses improved, while exchange rate stability was sustained.
- Foreign reserves strengthened, providing a buffer against external shocks.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing economic reforms, including tax harmonisation and fiscal discipline, with the aim of building a resilient, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy.
He also highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which seeks to empower at least 10 million Nigerians by fostering productive economic activity across the country’s 8,809 wards in agriculture, trade, mining, and food processing.
Security and National Stability
President Tinubu stressed that economic progress must go hand-in-hand with security and peace. He acknowledged ongoing security challenges from criminal and terrorist elements and outlined his administration’s strategic approach:
- Continued operations by Nigerian forces against terror networks and bandits.
- Strengthening cooperation with regional and international partners to safeguard national security.
- Commitment to decentralised policing reforms, paired with accountable forest guards to tackle banditry and terrorism effectively.
“Our nation continues to confront security threats… In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security.”
Call to Unity and Shared Responsibility
A recurring theme in the speech was national unity and collective responsibility. President Tinubu urged Nigerians from all walks of life to support the nation’s development efforts by embracing patriotism, integrity, and civic duty.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.”
He called on citizens to be “better neighbours” and better stewards of the country’s progress, appealing to everyone to contribute positively to national growth.
Closing and Goodwill Message
In closing, the President wished all Nigerians a peaceful, prosperous, and productive 2026. He asked for continued faith in the country’s future and invoked God’s blessings for Nigeria’s peace, security, and stability.
“Fellow Nigerians, I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country.”
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