Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged northern youths to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its ongoing economic reforms.
Akpabio described the reforms as difficult but necessary measures aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing economic challenges and redirecting resources towards critical sectors.
Speaking to northern youths, the Senate President said the removal of the fuel subsidy and efforts to stabilise the foreign exchange market had initially created hardship but were necessary to achieve fiscal sustainability.
He likened the measures to “surgical procedures” required to correct structural problems and redirect government resources towards healthcare, education and infrastructure.
Akpabio said the reforms were already showing some positive indicators, including improved revenue collection, increased investor confidence and renewed interest from international partners.
He cautioned against abandoning the reform programme before its effects could fully take root, arguing that reversing the policies could undermine the progress already recorded.
The Senate President also encouraged young Nigerians, particularly those from the North, to take a more active role in governance and national development.
He told the youths that they should not see themselves only as future leaders but as active participants in shaping Nigeria’s present and future.
Akpabio’s comments come amid continuing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly the cost-of-living pressures that followed the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
