– Eyes prosperity in 2026
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s economy demonstrated resilience and growth in 2025, recording a 3.98 per cent expansion in Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in the third quarter, the Federal Government disclosed during its end-of-year press conference.
Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted that headline inflation declined for the eighth consecutive month to 14.45 per cent in November, while external reserves strengthened to approximately $44.56 billion, providing stability to the naira and reinforcing investor confidence.
“Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion in Q3 2025, a 27.29 percent growth year-on-year. Our Purchasing Managers Index, PMI, shows 12 consecutive months of expansion, signalling strong business sentiment,” Idris said.
On energy, he noted that Nigeria hit a maximum daily energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours, MWh, in March, the highest in history. Key interventions such as the Presidential Metering Initiative and the Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme have laid the foundation for sustained growth and reliability in electricity supply.
“The Federal Government also executed a massively oversubscribed Eurobond issuance, with orders reaching 400 per cent of the $2.3 billion target, underscoring strong investor confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms,” the Minister added.
“Agriculture and infrastructure received historic investments in 2025. The Bank of Agriculture was recapitalised with N1.5 trillion, the largest single boost in recent history, while over N1.5 trillion was allocated to road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Expressway. These projects aim to unlock economic corridors across the country.
“Youth empowerment was also prioritised. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, supported over 788,000 students with interest-free loans and stipends exceeding N150 billion. Digital and creative entrepreneurship initiatives, including the iDICE programme and the Student Venture Capital Grant, are fostering the next generation of innovators and job creators.”
On security, the Minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and established a counterterrorism doctrine, ensuring that armed groups and kidnappers are classified and treated as terrorist organisations.
“Internationally, Nigeria signed a five-year $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation MoU with the United States, strengthened its position at the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, and secured hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, WPRF, and the African Public Relations Association, APRA, Conference.”
Looking ahead, Idris said the 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” sets the stage for further growth.
“The N58.18 trillion budget features N26.08 trillion in capital expenditure and N5.41 trillion dedicated to Defence and Security, while revenue mobilisation will be driven through digitisation and improved compliance.
“The landmark new Tax Reform Laws will go into operation, ushering in an era of fiscal growth and deepening the social contract between government and citizens,” Idris said, calling for Nigerians’ understanding as reforms take effect.
The Minister concluded by affirming that the administration’s focus remains on consolidating stability, empowering youth, protecting citizens, and building a competitive and prosperous Nigeria.
