Nigeria’s Current Account Set to Hit $18.81 Billion in 2026, Says President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has projected that Nigeria’s current account balance will climb to $18.81 billion in 2026, up from $16.94 billion in 2025, highlighting the impact of his administration’s economic reforms. Speaking on Thursday, Tinubu applauded corporate Nigeria, investors, and stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market for surpassing the historic N100 trillion milestone on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The President emphasized that the milestone reflects more than just stock market performance, pointing to the broader economic effects of reforms. “After initial headwinds, we are finally seeing a bend in the inflation curve,” he said, noting that monetary tightening and the removal of distortionary financing mechanisms have restored stability to the Naira. He also highlighted agriculture’s role in reducing inflation, which dropped from a 24-month high of 34.8% in December 2024 to 14.45% in November 2025, with projections indicating 12% in 2026.
Tinubu also stressed the importance of Nigeria’s growing export capacity, revealing that non-oil exports surged by 48% by Q3 2025, totaling N9.2 trillion. Exports to Africa alone rose 97% to N4.9 trillion, while manufacturing exports jumped 67% year-on-year. The President added that foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark, with expectations of exceeding $50 billion in early 2026, strengthening the Central Bank’s ability to maintain economic stability.
Highlighting investment opportunities, Tinubu urged Nigerians to deepen their involvement in the local economy. “The N100 trillion market capitalisation is a signal to the world that the Nigerian economy is robust and productive,” he said, noting that the NGX All-Share Index returned 51.19% in 2025, significantly outpacing many global and emerging-market benchmarks. He praised the resilience of the banking sector, industrial giants, and tech firms, while pointing to new listings in energy, telecoms, and infrastructure as drivers for further market growth.
Finally, the President painted an optimistic vision for 2026, highlighting infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and educational funding initiatives. He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a transparent, high-growth, and egalitarian economy: “With historic tax and fiscal reforms now fully implemented, 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians.”
source: Business day