The Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA) has received with great joy and national pride the statement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the World Bank October 2026 Nigeria Development Update (NDU) titled “Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Reshaped State Priorities” which has authoritatively confirmed that his bold and courageous economic reforms are working and yielding tangible results.
This is not government propaganda. This is independent, global validation by the World Bank.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORLD BANK VERDICT:
For the first time since 2019, the World Bank confirms that Nigeria’s poverty rate has stabilized and is now projected to decline gradually as GDP growth outpaces population growth.
The Report shows:
1. GDP Growth: 4.2% in H1 2026, up from 3.9% in H1 2025, despite Middle East conflict disruptions. Growth is projected to average at least 4.4% between 2026-2028.
2. Inflation Decline: From 27.6% in January 2025 to 15.2% in December 2025, with projection to ease to approximately 12% by 2028.
3. External Strength: Current account surplus rose to $12bn (7.0% of GDP) in H1 2026 from $8.6bn in H1 2025. Gross external reserves rose from $45.5bn in December 2025 to $53.8bn in August 2026, now at $54.9bn per latest data.
4. Federation Revenues: Up 69% in real terms between 2023-2025 due to subsidy removal, FX unification and fiscal discipline, with States as biggest beneficiaries.
5. States’ Capital Spending: Up 151% in real terms on roads, transport, agriculture, energy and housing. Real social spending per person rose in 34 of 35 states surveyed.
6. Global Investor Confidence Restored: Nigeria is now listed among the Top 10 recipients of $112bn private capital mobilized by the World Bank Group in the year ended June 2026.
7. Macro to Micro Shift: Having achieved substantial macroeconomic stability, the administration is now shifting focus toward the micro-economy and improving the lives of citizens, ensuring recovery is felt on dinner tables, in shops, markets, petrol stations and motor parks.
8. Cost of Living Interventions: The administration has put concrete measures in place to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and has reaffirmed its commitment to better living conditions for all Nigerians.
9. National Security: The security of lives and property remains a top priority. The Nigerian military is daily adapting its tactics to meet global standards through training, retraining and acquisition of modern military equipment to confront bandits and insurgents head-on. We are presently winning the war.
10. Oil and FX Stability: Oil theft has reduced drastically and production is up, bringing more revenue to all tiers of government. The foreign exchange market has stabilized, enabling businesses and investors to plan on a long-term basis.
11. Infrastructure and Industrialization: Road construction is making funds reach contractors, suppliers, artisans, transporters and food vendors while boosting locally made industries. The Four Legacy Projects covering about 3,000 kilometres across the six geopolitical zones will dovetail into rail, port, power, health and road infrastructure.
12. Agriculture, Health and Energy Transition: The President has placed food security at the centre of national economic policy through mechanization, irrigation development and agricultural financing, thereby increasing domestic production, improving farmers’ income and making food affordable. The administration has commissioned two cancer treatment centres and is working with stakeholders to make drugs affordable. The Presidential CNG and Electric Vehicle Initiative has attracted about $2.5 billion in private investment alongside about N250 billion in government funding; more than 120,000 vehicles have been converted and there are now over 400 certified conversion centres nationwide.
13. Human Capital Development: The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has supported more than 1.6 million students, paying over N192 billion in fees and N180 billion in upkeep allowances, providing meaningful relief to students, parents and guardians. The National Social Register is directing support to the most vulnerable households, with over 10 million households reached. The Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp) is helping Nigerians spread the cost of essential purchases. We are expanding digital skills and opportunities for young Nigerians through the “Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT)” programme in software development, data science, cybersecurity and energy technologies, while giving attention to domestic refining, solid minerals and industrial production to diversify the economy.
THE N3.3 TRILLION PRO-PEOPLE INTERVENTION:
Most importantly, Mr. President has revealed that his administration has forgone over N3.3 Trillion in fuel taxes, tariffs and import duties (full waiver for the year to 30th September, 2026) to keep petrol affordable for ordinary Nigerians.
This is complemented by:
– NNPC Retail forgoing its profit margin for 30 days, prioritizing public and commercial transport operators;
– Proposed N1,350 per litre wholesale price ceiling to reduce retail volatility;
– Expansion of the CNG Revolution: Kaduna’s 100 CNG buses have moved over 3 million passengers; Recent deployments – Ekiti 15 buses, Lagos 20, Akwa Ibom 50, Katsina 30 CNG hybrid buses + 200 e-tricycles launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima on 4th October, Kano 30 CNG + 5 electric buses, Edo next. Fares have crashed by 30-67%: Masaka to Berger (Abuja) from N1,500 to N500 (66.7% drop), Enugu-Nsukka from N4,000 to N1,600, Borno intra-city as low as N50.
This single revelation has buried the falsehoods by Atiku and Peter Obi who claim President Tinubu is punishing Nigerians.
OUR POSITION:
1. A government that voluntarily waives N3.3 trillion of its own revenue to ease prices cannot be called anti-people. It is demonstrably pro-people, compassionate and responsible. As Mr. President rightly said: _”I have a duty to provide relief today without compromising our children’s future.”_
2.The World Bank Report shows reform is working from Federal to State. State revenues have tripled, allowing governors to pay salaries and build critical infrastructure. This is true federalism in action.
3. We challenge Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who wants to return to production subsidy that collapsed our economy, to tell Nigerians where he will get N7 trillion yearly to fund his fantasy. As the Presidency rightly noted, his plan is unrealistic, unsustainable and dangerous. Promises without costing are deception.
4. We urge Nigerians to ignore the noise about the Electoral Act. The EC8A Form remains the authentic polling unit result sheet and President Tinubu will never rig – he will win clean in the 2027 elections because his work is speaking in every ward.
We call on all support groups, youth and women wings to take this World Bank report and the N3.3 trillion waiver message to markets, motor parks, campuses, churches and mosques. The truth is out and the Renewed Hope is manifest.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR!
Signed:
Comrade Iliasu Musa
National Coordinator,
Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA)
Comrade Paul Katuka
Secretary,
Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA)