Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Northern youths to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the reforms are beginning to show positive results and should be allowed to reach full consolidation. Akpabio made the appeal in Abuja on Sunday while receiving a high-level delegation from the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly at his […]
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Northern youths to support President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the reforms are beginning to show positive results and should be allowed to reach full consolidation.
Akpabio made the appeal in Abuja on Sunday while receiving a high-level delegation from the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly at his residence.
The Senate President defended some of the administration’s most controversial economic decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and reforms to the foreign exchange market, describing them as difficult but necessary steps to reposition the Nigerian economy.
He said the measures had moved beyond their initial difficult phase and were now beginning to produce what he described as tangible benefits. Among the indicators he highlighted were improved revenue collection, stronger investor confidence and increased interest from international partners.
Akpabio argued that the removal of the fuel subsidy and efforts to stabilise the foreign exchange market were essential to achieving fiscal sustainability. He said the changes would also enable government to redirect resources towards sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.
While acknowledging the difficulties caused by the reforms in their early stages, the Senate President maintained that the policies were necessary to address structural weaknesses that had affected the economy for years.
He urged Northern youths not to remain passive observers of the country’s political and economic affairs, saying young Nigerians should begin taking responsibility for national development now rather than waiting for leadership opportunities in the future.
Akpabio also highlighted the role of the 10th National Assembly in promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law. He encouraged youths to participate in constructive discussions and to scrutinise information about the government’s policies before accepting or sharing it.
The Senate President further warned that stopping the reform programme prematurely could jeopardise whatever gains have been achieved so far. His position comes ahead of the 2027 elections, when the economic performance of the Tinubu administration is expected to become a central campaign issue.
The spokesperson of the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, praised Akpabio’s engagement with the group and said the coalition would support grassroots awareness campaigns aimed at helping Nigerians understand the government’s economic policies.
Dan-Musa also called for national unity, arguing that regional and sectional interests should not be allowed to override the peace and collective interests of the country.