President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, ruling out a return to petrol subsidies despite the difficulties associated with implementing the policies introduced when he assumed office in May 2023.
Speaking to members of the City Boy Movement during an event tagged “An Evening with the Original City Boy” at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu urged young Nigerians to support his administration’s policies, describing them as important to the country’s future.
“You are not campaigning for me. You are campaigning for your own future, and that future is renewed hope,” the President said.
Tinubu maintained that Nigeria should consolidate the gains from its economic reforms rather than return to the previous subsidy system. He described the removal of petrol subsidies on his first day in office as a necessary step to address longstanding economic challenges.
The President also criticised previous administrations for relying on excessive currency printing, which he said contributed to fiscal pressures and structural weaknesses inherited by his government.
Tinubu Highlights Youth Development Initiatives
The President commended the City Boy Movement for building grassroots structures across states, local government areas and wards, expressing satisfaction with young Nigerians’ support for his reform agenda.
He also highlighted government programmes aimed at expanding opportunities for young people, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has supported more than one million students in accessing financial assistance for higher education.
Other initiatives mentioned were the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which seeks to improve access to credit for essential assets, and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, designed to equip Nigerians with digital skills.
Tinubu assured young Nigerians that his administration would continue appointing qualified individuals to positions of responsibility, arguing that younger generations should have a role in shaping policies that will affect their future.
Tinubu Urges Youth Participation Ahead of 2027 Elections
Looking ahead to the January 16, 2027 presidential election, Tinubu urged members of the movement to strengthen their grassroots mobilisation, encourage eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and communicate the administration’s achievements.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande expressed confidence in the government’s reform agenda, while the City Boy Movement reiterated its goal of mobilising at least 10 million youth votes for Tinubu’s re-election.
National Co-Patron Amir Kashim Shettima pledged the organisation’s support, while Director-General Francis Oluwatosin Shoga disclosed that the movement had registered 4.6 million members nationwide.
Shoga also said the group had engaged more than 50,000 young Nigerians across the country’s six geopolitical zones through its Renewed Hope Youth Tour.
Tinubu’s latest remarks reinforce his administration’s position that economic reforms will continue despite their challenges, as the government seeks to maintain policy consistency while securing public support ahead of the 2027 elections.
