• Nigeria aims to place its economy on a $1 trillion GDP trajectory by 2036 under a new growth acceleration plan.
• The government targets job creation and investment through macroeconomic stability and sector-focused policies by 2026.
• Authorities anchor the strategy in reforms including FX liberalization and large-scale technical training for youth.

The Nigerian federal government unveiled a growth acceleration plan designed to stimulate employment and investment by 2026. Kamorudeen Yusuf, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, announced the plan on Saturday, January 3, in a statement published on his X account.

The strategy forms part of the second phase of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms and aims to move the economy from stabilization to expansion. According to Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, the plan positions Nigeria on a trajectory toward a $1 trillion GDP by 2036.

The framework emphasizes macroeconomic stability, coordination between fiscal and monetary policies, and clear sectoral priorities to attract investment. The government identified priority sectors including energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, housing, healthcare, digital services, creative industries, logistics, and solid minerals. Authorities plan to focus resources on these sectors to boost productivity and support sustainable job creation.

With a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria faces strong pressure on employment, infrastructure, and social services. Despite significant oil and gas resources, the country remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons.

Non-oil activities continue to expand gradually but face persistent structural imbalances. These constraints include inflation above 20%, depreciation of the naira, and high unemployment, particularly among young people.

To address these challenges, the authorities launched several reforms. These measures include the liberalization of the exchange rate and the rollout in December 2025 of a large-scale technical and vocational education and training program. The initiative aims to equip 1.3 million young people with industry-relevant skills.

These policy decisions align with a long-term strategy to raise living standards and guide Nigeria toward upper-middle-income status and eventually high-income status by 2050.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny (intern)

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum