President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right) and Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward during the President Tinubu audience with Prince Edward at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Monday. Photo Credit: State House
President Bola Tinubu said the sweeping economic reforms underway in the country are intentionally crafted to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills and secure a stronger future for the nation.
The president made the remarks on Monday while hosting the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja. Tinubu stressed that young people remain at the heart of Nigeria’s economic repositioning and must fully embrace the policy changes shaping the country’s long-term outlook.
“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,” he said, underscoring the demographic advantage Nigeria holds. “We need to strengthen the economy for our youths. The reforms are about growth and prosperity for the nation. It takes into full consideration demography and skills development. We are emulating best practices in exploring opportunities in several areas of skills development.”
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding access to education through the new students’ loan scheme, which he said would ensure no qualified student drops out of university on account of financial hardship. “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he added.
The president noted that the reforms span multiple sectors and are anchored on cooperation among stakeholders to ensure long-term alignment with national priorities.
He also highlighted ongoing investments in broadband expansion, saying the rollout of fibre-optic infrastructure would widen digital access and enhance youth participation in the economy.
On national security, Tinubu said the government is recording progress in confronting threats across the country and expressed gratitude to humanitarian organisations supporting victims of terrorism.
Earlier, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s median age of 17 shaped the government’s resolve to broaden opportunities for youth inclusion and skills development.
Prince Edward, who chairs the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, applauded the reform efforts, noting that they have been well-received internationally.
He said the award ceremony scheduled for Lagos would honour 320 young Nigerians for their skills, passion, and 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 said.
The Duke visited alongside the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery, and senior officials of the Award Foundation. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education programme delivered through schools, youth groups and community organisations worldwide.
