Nigeria shifts from stabilisation to acceleration, Tinubu tells APC governors, other stakeholders
…tasks Renewed Hope Ambassadors to take reform message to wards, markets, campuses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Nigeria has entered a new phase of economic acceleration, saying
...tasks Renewed Hope Ambassadors to take reform message to wards, markets, campuses
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Nigeria has entered a new phase of economic acceleration, saying the era of stabilisation has laid a firm foundation for sustained growth and national renewal.
Speaking at the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja, the President said the administration’s focus is now shifting decisively from economic stabilisation to rapid expansion and resilience-building.
The President’s message was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima before a high-powered gathering that included 29 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former governors, members of the National Assembly, serving ministers, party leaders and representatives of various support groups.
Reflecting on the administration’s 1,000 days in office, which elapsed last weekend, Tinubu described the summit as timely and strategic.
“This moment calls for us to reflect on the reforms we have pursued, the sacrifices made and the responsibility we share to translate vision into measurable impact for our people,” he said.
According to him, from the outset, the administration “chose a path of honesty and discipline,” confronting “deep-seated structural distortions” that had long undermined Nigeria’s fiscal health.
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“In so doing, we have restored fiscal credibility, stabilised the economy and set the foundation for long-term economic growth,” he stated.
The President pointed to what he described as clear indicators of progress, noting that inflationary pressures are moderating, fuel prices have eased, and the naira has grown stronger and more stable.
He revealed that but for recent interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the exchange rate would have reached N1,000 to the dollar “in weeks, not in months,” stressing that the apex bank’s action was taken in the interest of overall market stability.
In a veiled reference to speculators, he added that the strengthening currency should serve as “a wake-up call” to those who take delight in hoarding foreign exchange.
Highlighting investor confidence, Tinubu disclosed that of the seven major investment decisions taken in Africa last year, five were made in Nigeria.
“That goes to show the strength, viability and the promise of the Nigerian economy,” he said.
He announced that as the country advances into 2026, the N58.18 trillion budget will anchor the new phase of acceleration, featuring record capital expenditure, the largest allocation to national security in Nigeria’s history, and prudent revenue projections designed to scale growth while strengthening resilience.
The President also cited landmark tax reforms aimed at protecting the vulnerable, encouraging enterprise and entrenching transparency in public finance.
Additionally, he referenced the recent Executive Order affecting remittances to the Federation Account, explaining that it was designed to safeguard Federation revenues, eliminate duplicative structures, curb waste and ensure responsible management of national resources.
However, Tinubu emphasised that no reform can succeed without public understanding and participation, underscoring the strategic importance of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative.
“This platform shall serve as an avenue for civic engagement, allowing us to carry the message of national rebirth to every ward, to every community, to every nook and cranny of this our great nation,” he declared.
He charged the ambassadors to explain why difficult decisions were necessary and how they translate into jobs, security, enterprise, opportunity and a more stable future.
“They must counter misinformation with facts, replace rumour with evidence and ensure that Nigerians from across the country have access to the truth,” he said.
Beyond advocacy, the President urged the ambassadors to function as a feedback mechanism, conveying community concerns and lived experiences back to government.
He commended Governor Hope Uzodinma, Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, and his team for the clarity and coordination brought to the initiative.
Tinubu further urged the ambassadors to move beyond conference halls and engage directly with citizens in wards, markets, farms and campuses.
“This mission is about presence. It’s about truth. It’s about trust,” he said.
In a pointed remark on grassroots politics, the President reminded party faithful that electoral victories are determined by voters on the ground, not by online commentary.
“Elections are not conducted on social media platforms. Elections are not conducted on Facebook. Elections are conducted by Nigerians, who will vote in their numbers,” he stated.
The summit, he noted, affirms the APC’s collective commitment to a shared future of peace and prosperity.
“Together, we will continue translating reform into opportunity, policy into impact and sacrifice into renewed hope.
“The foundation has been laid, the momentum is building. With this new and important initiative, the promise of renewed hope will be fully delivered”, Tinubu said.
Earlier, National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, regretted that despite significant infrastructure projects delivered by the Tinubu administration and state governments, the party’s achievements had not been visible due to poor communication.
“Good governance without communication is invisible. I’ve visited many states. I’ve seen beautiful projects, beautiful things being done, but they’re invisible and not communicated,” he lamented.
Yilwatda stressed the need for effective communication, which he said is critical to translating governance achievements into political capital, explaining that it was the reason forestablishing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors structure.
In his address, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, said stakeholders are on the ground to trigger a process that will unify the APC structure into a stronger and more united political family.
He assured that through the summit, stakeholders have chosen Nigeria's long-term stability over short-term applause, necessitating patriotic and accurate communication of the current administration’s socio-economic development efforts thereby earning citizens’ trust at the grassroots.
“Lack of citizen understanding creates perception gaps,” he said, noting, for instance, that food prices have drastically reduced in the markets, while Nigeria has moved away from chronic oil and gas underproduction, citing the Dangote Refinery and other indigenous firms.
Also, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, advised authorities to allow members of the public to “add value” to what the party is doing across the nation.
For his part, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the Renewed Hope Agenda is a message that is unifying the nation.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on behalf of members of the Federal Executive Council, expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu for choosing them as part of his team.
Looking forward to the upcoming second term, he said they are delighted to continue working tirelessly to ensure that the next chapter of the reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are even more transformative, thereby creating more jobs and attracting more investments into the nation’s economy.
