The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigerians can now use the Naira Card for payments and transactions across the world, describing the milestone as a sign of renewed confidence in the nation’s currency and financial system.
The President made the announcement on Saturday, 28th February, 2026 in Abuja during the 9th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayer for the Nation organised by the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation. The event was themed “Faith and Justice: The Islamic Judicial Perspective on Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Tinubu said recent economic reforms undertaken by his administration are beginning to yield tangible results. He noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria has adjusted interest rates downward, while inflation figures are showing signs of moderation.
According to the President, the development marks a significant departure from Nigeria’s previous heavy reliance on foreign currencies for international transactions.
“Nigerians can now travel abroad and rely on their Naira Card without the need to carry dollars, euros or pounds,” he said, attributing the shift to improved stability in the naira and stronger management of the country’s external reserves.
Tinubu further claimed that food inflation has steadily declined over the past year, with headline inflation also trending downward in recent months. He acknowledged that the sweeping reforms introduced by his administration initially imposed hardship on citizens but maintained that the measures were necessary to correct deep-rooted structural challenges in the economy.
“These were difficult but essential decisions,” he said, adding that current economic indicators suggest Nigeria is gradually on the path to recovery.
Beyond economic matters, the President reassured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity. He emphasized that efforts to defeat terrorism and banditry remain a top priority, stressing that peace and stability are critical to sustaining economic gains.
Tinubu commended religious and traditional leaders for their continued prayers and support, underscoring the importance of national unity in confronting the country’s challenges.
He vowed that individuals and groups threatening Nigeria’s peace and progress would be decisively confronted through collective resolve and strong governance.
The announcement comes amid ongoing debates over the impact of economic reforms on ordinary Nigerians, with the Presidency insisting that the policies are laying a durable foundation for long-term stability and growth.
