President Bola Tinubu on Monday said Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are designed to equip young people with globally competitive skills and secure a more prosperous future for the country.

 

The President made the remarks while receiving the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja.

 

Tinubu emphasised that Nigerian youths are central to the country’s economic repositioning and must take ownership of the reforms shaping long-term national development.

 

“We will be participating in the G-20 this week. It is the third time Africa is hosting the G-20. And the central issue is about our youth,” Tinubu said.

“We need to strengthen the economy for our youth. The reforms are about growth and prosperity for the nation. They take into full consideration demography and skills development. We are emulating best practices in exploring opportunities in several areas of skills development.”

The President assured that the newly established Students’ Loans Fund would ensure that no qualified student drops out of university due to lack of funds.

 

“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he said.

 

Tinubu explained that the reforms cut across critical sectors, with a focus on achieving harmony among stakeholders and aligning all efforts with long-term national targets.

He noted that the ongoing national deployment of fibre optic cables and other infrastructure will expand digital access and deepen youth participation in Nigeria’s development.

 

The President also said the government is addressing security challenges with measurable progress, while appreciating humanitarian agencies providing support to victims of terrorism.

Earlier, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s median age of 17 informed the government’s deliberate reforms to expand opportunities for youth engagement and skills development.

 

Prince Edward, who chairs the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, praised Tinubu’s reforms, noting that they have been positively received around the world.

 

He said the Award Foundation would recognise 320 Nigerian youths at an upcoming ceremony in Lagos for outstanding achievements in skills development, passion, and community service.

 

“We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people,” he added.

 

The Duke was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and senior officials of the Award Foundation.

 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global programme for non-formal education delivered through schools, youth organisations, and community groups worldwide.