By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has assured foreign investors that Nigeria’s youthful population remains one of the country’s greatest assets, describing Nigerian youths as tech-savvy, eager to learn, and well-positioned to integrate into the global digital economy.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Mastercard led by its Global Chief Executive Officer, Michael Miebach, at the State House.
Tinubu welcomed Mastercard’s proposal to train five million Nigerian businesses and equip them with digital skills, noting that the initiative aligns with his administration’s efforts to strengthen the economy and empower young people and small businesses.
According to the President, Nigeria’s economy has been repositioned and stabilised to participate more effectively in the global market, with a strong focus on digital inclusion and economic empowerment.
He said the ongoing formalisation of Nigeria’s largely informal small-business sector would create more opportunities for digital transitions, investment inflows, job creation, and sustainable growth.
“I am glad that you are very familiar with the terrain. I can classify you as a Nigerian. Mastercard has a very big reputation in financial management, and opportunities are spreading in Nigeria,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that business orientation in the country is gradually changing, with more small businesses registering formally and embracing technology-driven solutions.
He stressed that empowering youths with digital skills remains a priority for his administration.
“The most important asset is our youth,” he said, while urging stronger collaboration with the Bank of Industry, which he noted has an extensive database of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that payment platforms and modern financial systems are crucial to deepening inclusion for small and medium-scale enterprises.
“What you have been doing with our young population is commendable, and we will continue to support that in every form. As the host country, the agreements we have with you are valid, and I want you to see us as partners,” he added.
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said ongoing economic reforms have opened significant opportunities for integration, particularly in credit and payment systems.
Oyedele noted that Mastercard’s interventions through the Mastercard Foundation have already supported small businesses and strengthened the informal sector.
