Fuel subsidy removal, economic reforms are for Nigerian Youths’ future – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that all his policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, are aimed at securing a better future for Nigerian youths.

He made this statement on Monday during the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu assured that his administration’s ongoing economic reforms are designed to strengthen the country’s 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 released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Addressing concerns about Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities, the President stated that economic growth and empowerment at home would reduce the need for migration.

“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he said.

Tinubu assured the 44-member planning committee that the government would implement the outcomes of their discussions and the framework for the national youth conference.

“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. The government of today is all about you. You can be critical of politicians and abuse them all the way you can, but politics is about development and the future of generations. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously.

“I am glad you are here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow, and hereafter. I am with you,” he added.

The President highlighted the impact of his economic policies, noting that the country’s economy has improved despite initial challenges. According to him, most economic indicators now show a decline in the prices of goods, especially foodstuffs, and a stabilization of the exchange rate.

“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.

“You have a great opportunity, and I am ready to listen to you. I have heard your spokesperson’s remarks. You have a great chance of advancing the development of this country. It is all in your hands.

“My position is to help navigate, push, and lift the heavy weight of problems so that I can clear the way for you. You have a great future before you, which is in your hands.

“Just look me in the face and tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way forward. Be frank. We will implement your suggestions so long as they are for the country’s prosperity,” the President assured.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, expressed gratitude to the President for giving young people a platform to contribute to national development. He commended the administration’s efforts, particularly the student loan scheme, which has benefited over 260,000 students, as well as the renovation of the Third Mainland Bridge and the clearance of the passport backlog.

“We want to thank you for the futuristic ideas; more than 260,000 students have already benefited from the administration’s student loan schemes. We appreciate the renovation of the Third Mainland Bridge for us to use and clearing the passport backlog,” Olawande stated.

A member of the committee, Samson Itodo, described the upcoming youth conference as a major milestone in youth inclusion in governance.

He highlighted key focus areas such as political governance, economic transformation, skills development in Artificial Intelligence, climate change and energy transition, as well as social cohesion and security.

He noted that the framework for the conference would include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and a final Abuja summit.