Nigeria's economic journey is reaching an encouraging turning point, with leading financial experts highlighting multiple signs of progress and growing optimism for the nation's future.

Speaking at the FirstBank Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 event, Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Research and Trade Intelligence at Afreximbank, shared uplifting news about the country's economic trajectory. After navigating years of turbulence, Nigeria is now entering a welcome phase of greater stability that creates exciting opportunities for long-term planning and investment.

"Nigeria is now clearly in a disinflation cycle," Dr. Kale announced, crediting thoughtful recent reforms for this positive shift. The central bank's careful management has successfully re-anchored expectations across households and businesses, leading to a remarkable psychological transformation. "For the first time in years, Nigerians expect prices to stabilize. And once expectations shift, behavior follows," he explained with evident optimism.

The foreign exchange reforms are delivering particularly tangible and encouraging results. Market transparency has improved significantly, with monthly FX volatility dropping below four percent—a strong indicator of a healthier, more functional market. This improvement has already begun attracting valuable portfolio inflows, signaling growing international confidence in Nigeria's economic direction.

FirstBank's Group Managing Director and CEO, Segun Alebiosu, enthusiastically affirmed that Nigeria's economy has "turned the corner." He pointed to several concrete improvements that Nigerians are experiencing firsthand: fuel prices dropping from N1,200 back to N759, and rice prices falling from N100,000 to N66,000 per bag. These are real changes that directly improve people's daily lives.

"We have seen the difficult part, and we're seeing benefits," Alebiosu said warmly. He emphasized that the challenging phase of economic reforms is easing, with manufacturing activity rising and macroeconomic indicators consistently improving. "These are not signs of fragility; they are signals of an economy repositioning itself," he added with confidence.

The banking sector is particularly well-positioned to support continued growth. Following recent recapitalization, banks now have stronger balance sheets and greater liquidity to extend credit to businesses and individuals. With inflation trending downward and interest rates expected to follow, lending conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for entrepreneurs and families alike.

Alebiosu shared an inspiring message for Nigerians in the diaspora, highlighting the attractive returns now available on naira-denominated assets. "The yield on naira assets far outpaces foreign currency assets," he noted, encouraging diaspora community members to invest in their home country and benefit from the improving economic landscape.

The manufacturing sector's growth across the country provides additional evidence of genuine recovery taking root. This expansion represents real economic activity that creates jobs and opportunities for Nigerian families.

While both experts acknowledged that sustaining these reforms remains essential, the trajectory is undeniably positive. The stability achieved over recent months creates a solid foundation for translating growth into jobs, productivity improvements, and better living standards for citizens.

"Stability has been achieved," Dr. Kale concluded optimistically. "The real opportunity now is to hold the course and build on these gains." With dedicated leadership, thoughtful policy implementation, and the resilience Nigerians have consistently demonstrated, the nation's economic future looks increasingly bright.