Tinubu admits challenges for Nigerian youths, promises more chances

President Bola Tinubu has recognized the worries of Nigerian youths about unemployment, high living costs, lack of education, and insecurity. He stated that his government must meet their expectations.

Nigeria’s economic troubles have worsened due to the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira. Conflicts around the world have also disrupted global energy and commodity markets, increasing the cost of living for families.

Ongoing insecurity in many areas has harmed local economies, disrupted farming and business, displaced communities, and forced schools to close. This situation leaves millions of children without proper education.

Mr Tinubu said young Nigerians deserve more than just explanations about the country’s economic issues. He added that his government is working to create more opportunities through investments in education, skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

He spoke on Monday in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Youth Conference. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, delivered his speech.

“I understand the challenges confronting our young people. I know that many of you are concerned about employment, the cost of living, access to education, opportunities to start businesses, and the security of your communities,” he said.

He also recognized that young people want a country where hard work is rewarded, talent is acknowledged, and opportunities are not based on personal connections or background.

“These are legitimate expectations. They are expectations that government has a responsibility to address,” he said.

Mr Tinubu explained that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to create an economy that provides opportunities, rewards hard work, and allows Nigerians a fair chance to succeed.

He admitted that the government’s economic reforms require sacrifices but said young people deserve to see real improvements in their lives.

“I know that these reforms have come with sacrifices. But I also know that young Nigerians deserve more than explanations about the difficulties of today.

“You deserve to see the opportunities of tomorrow becoming realities in your lives,” he said.

Mr Tinubu mentioned several initiatives his government is implementing to create opportunities for young people. These include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, YouthCred, and the Nigerian Youth Academy.

He promised that the government would do more to ensure that skills training leads to jobs, innovation attracts investment, and young entrepreneurs have access to funding.

He also pledged to support young Nigerians to succeed, no matter their backgrounds or where they come from.