Tinubu: Youth Will Drive Nigeria’s Future Through Innovation and Skills

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to embrace creativity, innovation, and resilience as the nation advances in a competitive global economy driven by technology.

He pledged continued government support for young people working to build careers, create jobs, and boost national productivity.

The President made the remarks in Abuja on Tuesday during the unveiling of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA GIGS) Platform and the Grant Award Ceremony, organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development under the theme “One Youth, Two Skills.” Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President said youths remain central to his administration’s development priorities.

“As a government, we will keep creating opportunities for young innovators. Build boldly, innovate courageously, and scale fearlessly. You are the generation that will continue the task of building this nation,” he said. Tinubu added that partnerships such as the ongoing discussions with the United Arab Emirates would help open more doors for skilled young Nigerians.

The NIYA programme is set to provide grants to 300 young Nigerians, including 200 from the formal sector who will receive one million naira each and 100 from the informal sector who will receive N500,000 to boost their enterprises. It is part of a broader initiative designed to strengthen youth participation in emerging digital and service-based industries.

Tinubu explained that the government has taken significant steps to remove barriers that hinder young entrepreneurs. These include regulatory reforms for small businesses, a streamlined tax regime, and wider access to consumer credit and enterprise financing. He said the goal is to build an economy where no young Nigerian is held back by bureaucracy or lack of opportunity.

The President highlighted incentives for the digital and creative industries and investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and green energy. He said each intervention aligns with the broader mission of promoting job creation, encouraging innovation, and supporting talent development nationwide.

“With NIYA GIGS, we are launching a national platform for freelancing and digital services that connects young Nigerians to paid work locally and globally,” he stated. “This grant is not a prize; it is a vote of confidence from your nation.”

He noted that Nigerian youths possess the skills and creativity to become global competitors in the digital market and should not be left behind in the evolving gig economy.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said the initiative was designed to recognise and empower young talents across both formal and informal sectors. He described NIYA as a dynamic ecosystem that builds capacity and opens global opportunities for Nigerian youth.

“We are here to support their dreams and give them a foundation to succeed,” he said, applauding the commitment of private and public partners.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, in a goodwill message, said the launch underscores the federal government’s resolve to place youth at the centre of the national development agenda, describing the programme as practical, forward-looking, and a catalyst for entrepreneurship and skills development.

Members of the Federal Executive Council and senior government officials were in attendance.