President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s economic reforms, stating that the removal of fuel subsidies was a necessary step to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths and unborn generations.

 

Speaking at the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu assured that ongoing economic policies are designed to strengthen the economy for the benefit of young Nigerians, who make up over 60% of the population.

 

“I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you. Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future. When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to have a great future,” Tinubu said in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

 

The President acknowledged the challenges posed by economic migration, emphasizing that a thriving local economy would encourage professionals to stay in the country. He urged the 44-member planning committee to take their responsibilities seriously, assuring them that the government would implement the outcomes of their deliberations.

 

“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously. I am with you,” he said.

 

Tinubu also highlighted the progress of his administration’s economic policies, noting that prices of goods, especially foodstuffs, were stabilizing, and investor confidence in Nigeria was improving.

 

“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well. But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing,” he added.

 

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the President for empowering young Nigerians, citing initiatives such as the student loan scheme and infrastructural developments.

 

Committee member Samson Itodo described the conference as a milestone for youth involvement in national development. He outlined key focus areas, including political governance, economic transformation, skills development in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, climate change and energy transition, as well as social cohesion and security.

 

The framework for the conference will include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and a final summit in Abuja.