Nigeria’s economy recorded stronger growth in the second quarter of 2026, expanding by 4.43% year-on-year as the country simultaneously pushes deeper into technology, artificial intelligence and digital investment through GITEX Nigeria 2026.
The latest performance was also higher than the 4.23% growth recorded during the same period in 2025, suggesting that economic activity strengthened during the second quarter.
The improvement was supported by stronger performances in both the oil and non-oil sectors, with Nigeria’s average crude oil production rising to about 1.72 million barrels per day, compared with approximately 1.55 million barrels per day in the previous quarter.
Stronger Growth Across Nigeria’s Economy
The Federal Government said the latest figures demonstrate increasingly broad-based economic growth.
According to reports, 27 economic subsectors recorded real growth of more than 3% during Q2 2026, compared with 23 subsectors in the corresponding period of 2025.
Nigeria’s real GDP growth for the first half of 2026 now stands at approximately 4.16%, compared with 3.68% during the same period last year.
While the figures suggest economic momentum is improving, Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including inflationary pressures, unemployment, infrastructure gaps, cost-of-living concerns and the need to attract more sustainable investment.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has set an ambitious target of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030, with economic reforms, private investment and technology expected to play important roles in achieving that objective.
GITEX Nigeria 2026 Opens With Focus on Technology
The latest GDP figures come as Nigeria hosts GITEX Nigeria 2026, a major technology, artificial intelligence and startup event bringing together policymakers, investors, global technology companies and entrepreneurs.
The event is taking place across Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, 2026.
GITEX Nigeria is focused on areas including artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, startups, investment, innovation and the future of Africa’s digital economy. (Gitex Nigeria)
The event is being held under the patronage of President Tinubu and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy alongside the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.
Organisers and government officials say the event could help strengthen partnerships and attract the investments required to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Technology Seen as Key to $1 Trillion Economy
Nigeria’s growing technology sector is increasingly being positioned as a major pillar of future economic expansion.
At GITEX Nigeria, discussions have focused heavily on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, data centres, fintech, startup development and investment opportunities.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the investment potential in areas such as computing infrastructure, data centres and digital public services.
Industry leaders have also stressed that Nigeria must build more local technological capacity instead of relying heavily on foreign infrastructure and technology.
GITEX organisers describe Nigeria as one of Africa’s important digital growth markets, with the country seeking to develop talent, infrastructure and responsible artificial intelligence systems capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
AI and Digital Sovereignty Take Centre Stage
Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest themes at this year’s event.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi warned that excessive reliance on