Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on northern youths to take an active role in Nigeria’s governance and economic transformation rather than wait for leadership opportunities in the future.
Akpabio made the call on Saturday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly.
The Senate President urged young Nigerians, particularly those from the North, to engage constructively with the administration of President Bola Tinubu and participate in efforts to reshape the country’s economy.
He described the government’s economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, as difficult but necessary measures to address longstanding structural problems.
According to Akpabio, although the reforms created hardship in their initial stages, they were necessary to redirect government resources towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.
“The reforms initiated by President Tinubu are not abstract theories; they are concrete, courageous actions designed to dismantle long-standing structural bottlenecks and unlock Nigeria’s vast potential,” he said.
Akpabio also claimed that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results through improved revenue collection, increased investor confidence and renewed interest from international partners.
He encouraged northern youths to contribute ideas, innovations and constructive criticism to the reform process, stressing the importance of responsible engagement.
“You are architects of today, not just leaders of tomorrow,” the Senate President told the delegation.
He further said the 10th National Assembly was focused on strengthening transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
Responding, spokesperson for the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, commended Akpabio for what he described as efforts to bridge political and regional divides.
Dan-Musa stressed the importance of national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying regional interests should not override Nigeria’s sovereignty and peace.
He identified sustained consultation with northern youth groups, grassroots enlightenment on federal fiscal policies and commitment to national cohesion as key areas of engagement ahead of the elections.
