“Don’t Abandon Reforms Now” — Akpabio Tells Northern Youths To Back Tinubu’s Fuel Subsidy Removal, Forex Policies Or Risk Losing Gains

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Northern youths to stand firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, warning that abandoning the policies now could jeopardise the gains he says are beginning to emerge.

Akpabio made the call on Sunday when he received a delegation of the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly at his residence in Abuja, according to a statement by the assembly’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Dan-Musa.

He described the reforms as difficult but necessary measures aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy and addressing long-standing structural problems.

According to him, the reforms have now crossed a critical threshold, with early indicators suggesting improvements in revenue collection, investor confidence and renewed interest from international development partners.

Akpabio specifically defended the removal of fuel subsidy and the foreign exchange reforms, arguing that both were necessary to achieve fiscal sustainability and free up resources for critical sectors like healthcare, education and infrastructure.

He acknowledged that the policies initially created significant challenges for Nigerians but insisted they were not mere economic theories, but deliberate measures designed to remove structural bottlenecks and unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.

Turning to youths, Akpabio urged Northern youths to become active participants in governance rather than waiting for a future leadership role, describing them as “architects of today” and encouraging them to contribute ideas and energy to national development.

He said the 10th National Assembly was prioritising transparency, accountability and rule of law, and urged young people to engage constructively with the reform process and carefully assess information they receive.

His comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with Tinubu’s economic policies expected to be a major campaign issue.

Meanwhile, Dan-Musa commended Akpabio for efforts to improve political understanding between the North and South, saying the assembly would mobilise at the grassroots to educate Nigerians, particularly in rural communities, on the long-term benefits of the Federal Government’s economic policies, stressing that regional interests should not override national sovereignty, peace and collective interest.