Tinubu: Reforms to Boost Youth Competitiveness

President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Government’s sweeping economic reforms are deliberately designed to empower Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills and create a sustainable future driven by innovation, education, and economic growth.

The President made the assurance on Monday during a meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja.

Prince Edward, Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, was in Nigeria to brief President Tinubu on preparations for the foundation’s global award ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos.

President Tinubu said the government’s economic policies are anchored on inclusive growth and targeted reforms that place young Nigerians at the heart of national development. He added that the central theme of Nigeria’s participation at this week’s G-20 Summit—hosted in Africa for the third time—will also focus on youth empowerment and the continent’s demographic potential.

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

READ ALSO: INEC Releases Full Timetable for 2027 General Elections

The President highlighted the newly established Students’ Loan Fund as a key component of the administration’s plan to democratise access to education, reduce inequality, and ensure no Nigerian child drops out of school due to financial constraints. “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he added.

Tinubu also underscored ongoing infrastructure projects—including the expansion of fibre-optic networks—as crucial to enhancing digital access and integrating young people into emerging sectors of the global economy. He said broader economic reform efforts are aimed at promoting harmony among stakeholders and ensuring long-term synergy for national development.

On security, the President noted that the government had recorded notable improvements in combating crime and terrorism. He thanked humanitarian agencies for supporting victims of insecurity across affected regions.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who accompanied the President, said Nigeria’s median age of 17 makes youth-focused reforms essential for sustainable growth. He emphasised that policy decisions are being tailored to create more learning, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Prince Edward commended President Tinubu for implementing reforms that have drawn global attention and positive reviews. He said the upcoming international award ceremony will honour the dedication, skills, and resilience of Nigerian youths, adding that 320 young Nigerians will be celebrated during the Lagos event in partnership with the Lagos State Government.

He also praised Minister Edun for his consistent advocacy for youth empowerment. “We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people,” he remarked.

Prince Edward was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; his Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Secretary-General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee/Chair of the Africa Region, Muhoho Kenyatta.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education framework that equips young people with skills, resilience, leadership, and a commitment to community service through schools, youth groups, and community organisations worldwide.