The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria’s youth stand to gain significantly from the wide-ranging economic reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at restoring stability, attracting investment and expanding opportunities across the country.
Idris made the remarks on Saturday while delivering the 2026 Convocation Lecture at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State.
Speaking on the theme “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” the minister said.
Nigeria had reached a critical point where difficult policy decisions could no longer be postponed.
“We got to a stage where continuing with old systems was no longer sustainable. Reforms became inevitable if Nigeria was to restore stability and unlock growth,” Idris said.
He explained that measures such as the removal of petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange regime and the implementation of new tax laws were designed to dismantle economic distortions that had weakened public finances and discouraged investment.
“These reforms are not ends in themselves,They are instruments for rebuilding confidence, restoring fiscal balance and creating a transparent and predictable economic environment,” he said.
While acknowledging the initial pressures created by the reforms, the minister stressed early indicators point to improving macroeconomic stability and renewed investor interest across key sectors.
“The signs we are seeing today from business confidence to renewed investment interest suggest that the reforms are beginning to deliver results,” he added.
Idris emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful population remains the country’s strongest asset in the reform process, noting that policies are increasingly targeted at equipping young people with skills, access to finance and institutional support.
“The youth are not bystanders in this process; they are the drivers of the new economy we are building,” he said.
He highlighted government initiatives such as the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, the Nigeria Startup Act and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation as deliberate efforts to cushion reform impacts and expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to Idris, Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in 2025 further demonstrated the administration’s commitment to restoring global confidence in the country’s financial system.
“That milestone sent a strong signal to the world that Nigeria is serious about reform and compliance with global standards,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, the minister urged graduating students to embrace resilience, continuous learning and public service, noting that nation building requires active citizen participation.
“The success of these reforms ultimately depends on the people,Young Nigerians must take ownership of this moment and translate policy changes into productivity, enterprise and national value,” Idris said.
The convocation ceremony was attended by senior government officials, university management, parents and other dignitaries from across the country.