President Bola Tinubu has stated that the economic reforms implemented by his administration since he took office on May 29, 2025, have contributed to stabilizing the exchange rate of the Naira against the Dollar in the foreign exchange (FX) market.
During the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House in Abuja on Monday, the President expressed confidence that professionals who left Nigeria due to the economic crisis would consider returning, thanks to improvements in the nation’s economy.
He emphasized that the ongoing reforms are designed to benefit the youth, whom he described as the future of Nigeria, urging them to be honest and open with him. “I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything depends on you. Every decision that I have made is about you and your future,” President Tinubu said.
He further explained, “When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to achieve great things.” He noted that an improved local economy would motivate citizens to stay in Nigeria rather than seek opportunities abroad. “If you create prosperity at home and empower people, they will not feel the need to leave,” President Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement from his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. The government of today is focused on you. While you can criticize politicians, remember that politics is about development and the future of generations. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” he told the 44-member planning committee.
President Tinubu highlighted that the economic reforms have repositioned the economy for greater prosperity and empowerment. Indicators show a steady decline in the prices of goods, especially food, and a stabilization of the exchange rate.
“When we started, the situation seemed unclear and challenging. We worked hard, like trying to draw water from a dry well. But today, the economy has turned a corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are taking an interest, and technology is advancing,” he said.
“You have a great opportunity, and I am ready to listen to you. I have heard your spokesperson’s remarks. You have a significant chance to advance the development of this country. The future is in your hands. My role is to help navigate and lift the heavy weight of problems so that I can clear the way for you. You face a promising future, and it is your responsibility to shape it.”
“Please feel free to look me in the eye and tell me whatever you think is wrong and how we can move forward. Be honest. We will implement your suggestions as long as they contribute to the country’s prosperity,” he stated.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, expressed gratitude to the President for giving the youth a voice. He assured that the committee fairly represents various stakeholders. “We want to thank you for your forward-thinking 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 and the clearing of the passport backlog,” the Minister said.
Mr. Samson Itodo, a member of the committee, acknowledged that the President’s initiative to convene the conference would be a significant milestone in involving youths in the country’s development. He listed key priority areas such as political governance, economic transformation, future skills like Artificial Intelligence, climate change and energy transition, and social cohesion and security.
He added that the framework for development would include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and the upcoming Abuja conference.
