Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (born 1952) is the 16th and current President of Nigeria, having assumed office on May 29, 2023. Known as the “Jagaban” of Borgu, he is a veteran political strategist who served as the Governor of Lagos State (1999–2007) and was a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement against military rule. As of January 6, 2026, he is entering the third year of his “Renewed Hope” administration, focused on deep fiscal reforms and a shift toward a $1 trillion economy.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu |
| Born | March 29, 1952, Lagos, Nigeria (Age 73) |
| Title | President of Nigeria; GCFR |
| Current Location | Paris, France (En route to Abu Dhabi, UAE) |
| Key Policy | The Tax Reform Act 2026 (commenced Jan 1, 2026) |
| Status in 2026 | Navigating the transition from economic stabilization to expansion. |
2026: The “Expansion” Phase
As of early January 2026, President Tinubu has framed this year as the beginning of a “more robust phase” of economic growth for Nigeria.
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The Tax Reform Act (Jan 1, 2026): In a major move to shore up state finances, Tinubu’s sweeping tax overhaul officially took effect on New Year’s Day 2026. The reform consolidates fragmented laws, raises the corporate capital gains tax to 30%, and introduces a progressive personal income tax system. Despite calls from the opposition (PDP) to suspend the act due to “illegal insertions,” Tinubu has stood firm, calling it a “generational opportunity” to reduce oil dependence.
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The 2026 Budget of Consolidation: On January 1, Tinubu presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. The budget aims to reduce inflation (which began a slight descent in late 2025) and accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, targeting the inclusion of 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.
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Oil Sector Reforms: Just today, January 6, 2026, the President nominated 21 board members for the petroleum regulatory bodies (NMDPRA and NUPRC), including former Senator Magnus Abe as board chair, signaling a renewed push for transparency in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Security and Regional Diplomacy
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Hunt for Terrorists (Jan 2026): On January 4, 2026, following a brutal attack on the Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State that left over 30 people dead, Tinubu issued a “shoot-on-sight” order to the military and DSS. He identified the perpetrators as terrorists fleeing recent U.S. airstrikes in the North-West and vowed they would “find no sanctuary.”
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Paris Diplomacy: Tinubu is currently abroad on a working break. On January 4, 2026, he held a private lunch with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris to discuss African security and global affairs. He is scheduled to proceed to Abu Dhabi later this week to participate in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) summit.
Lifestyle and Public Perception
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“Tinubunomics” vs. Reality: While the President celebrates a GDP growth rate expected to exceed 4% for the 2025 fiscal year, he continues to face significant domestic pressure over the high cost of living. His administration’s 2026 strategy relies heavily on “fiscal discipline” to eventually lower interest rates and ease the burden on Nigerian households.