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President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the local economy, noting that the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) market capitalisation surpassing the N100 trillion mark is a clear sign of renewed confidence in the country’s economic prospects.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said the milestone reflects the positive impact of ongoing economic reforms.
Tinubu noted that the NGX’s performance demonstrates Nigeria’s growing appeal as an investment destination, adding that 2026 is expected to deliver even stronger returns as the reforms continue to take effect.
“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100 trillion market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” the president said.
He highlighted the NGX All-Share Index’s performance in 2025, when it delivered a 51.19 per cent return, up from 37.65 per cent in 2024, despite global market stagnation. According to him, the returns outperformed major global indices, including the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several emerging markets.
Tinubu stated that Nigeria could no longer be dismissed as a frontier market, arguing that investor confidence was being reinforced by strong corporate performance across sectors.
The president also pointed to a strong pipeline of new listings, saying more indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators and infrastructure-focused entities were preparing to access the capital market to fund expansion. He said that this would further boost market capitalisation and broaden public ownership of the economy.
Beyond the stock market, Tinubu said his administration was recording gains at the macroeconomic level. He noted that inflation had been on a steady decline following initial reform-related pressures, supported by monetary tightening, the removal of “Ways and Means” financing and increased investment in agriculture.
According to the president, inflation fell from a 24-month high of 34.8 per cent in December 2024 to 14.45 per cent by November 2025, with projections indicating it could drop to 12 per cent in 2026 and potentially fall below 10 per cent before the end of the year.
He also highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s external position, noting that the country posted a current account surplus of $16 billion in 2024, with projections from the Central Bank of Nigeria placing the figure at $18.81 billion in 2026.
“Also noteworthy is the status of our nation’s current account, a valid measure of our overall economic health. In 2024, Nigeria posted a surplus of $16 billion. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), our current account balance is projected to rise to $18.81 billion in 2026, up from $16.94 billion in 2025.
“Under our administration, Nigeria is exporting more and importing less of what we can produce locally. Non-oil exports surged by 48% by the third quarter of 2025, totalling N9.2 trillion. Exports to Africa alone rose by 97% to N4.9 trillion. Manufacturing exports increased by 67% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, suggesting a strong close to the year.”
The president said Nigeria’s foreign reserves had exceeded $45 billion and were projected to cross $50 billion in the first quarter of 2026, giving the Central Bank greater capacity to stabilise the naira.
He also cited ongoing infrastructure expansion, including rail development, major road projects and port revitalisation, as well as improvements in healthcare, education financing through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund and increased research grants for universities.
Describing nation-building as a continuous process, Tinubu said the N100 trillion market capitalisation milestone sent a strong message to the global community about Nigeria’s economic potential.
“As your leader, I pledge to continue working unrelentingly to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy,” he said, adding that recent tax and fiscal reforms would further catalyse growth.
