Tinubu’s reforms prioritise youth empowerment, MSME growth and human capital development — Foreign Affairs PS
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government says it is scaling up investments in education, youth empowerment, and digital innovation to boost productivity and reduce unemployment across the country.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, made the disclosure on Wednesday while briefing members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.
Ahmed said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to human capital development, describing education and skills acquisition as “the backbone of economic transformation”.
He highlighted the implementation of the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, which provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions.
“No Nigerian child should be denied education due to financial constraints. The student loan scheme reflects this commitment,” he said.
Ahmed added that technical and vocational training programmes are being expanded nationwide to equip young Nigerians with skills relevant to the labour market.
The Permanent Secretary said Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which account for more than 80 per cent of employment and about 50 per cent of GDP, are receiving targeted government support.
“Through the Bank of Industry, Development Bank of Nigeria, and the Presidential Palliative Loan Scheme, we are expanding access to finance and reducing barriers that hinder entrepreneurship,” he said.
He also mentioned the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Plan, which prioritises roads, power generation, transport networks, and housing. According to him, the Siemens Power Project and Renewed Hope Cities initiative are part of efforts to improve energy reliability and reduce housing deficits.
Ahmed stressed that digital transformation remains a key pillar of growth, noting that Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors continue to attract international interest and investment.
He said the government welcomes partnerships that help young Nigerians acquire digital skills and access global opportunities.
“Nigeria’s future lies in its youth. Our policies reflect that reality,” he added.
