Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has acknowledged the economic strain facing Nigerian families under his father’s administration, appealing to citizens to maintain confidence in the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms despite the difficulties they have created for households.
He made the remarks on Monday during the inaugural Seyi Tinubu Colloquium at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The event, themed “Shaping the Future Together,” brought together participants to discuss nation-building, youth involvement in governance and the country’s future.
Addressing attendees in his welcome speech, Seyi said each generation inherited a nation shaped by the decisions and actions of those who came before it. He maintained that the current generation had a responsibility to make decisions that would create better conditions for those who would follow.
He also defended President Tinubu’s economic policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, reforms to the foreign exchange system and changes to the country’s tax structure. According to him, the measures were designed to tackle longstanding economic problems and expand opportunities for younger Nigerians, despite the immediate difficulties experienced by many families.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not choose Nigeria, did not choose the Nigeria inherited from his predecessors, yet his administration chose to confront the challenges of our nation, not for itself alone, but for the benefit of those who come next, for us, the young generation,” he said.
Seyi Defends Economic Reforms Amid Hardship
Explaining the rationale behind the government’s policies, Seyi said the reforms were closely linked to the way Nigeria generates revenue, allocates public funds and creates economic opportunities for its population.
He urged Nigerians to consider the long-term objectives of the changes while recognising the immediate challenges associated with their implementation.
“Removing the fuel subsidy, reforming the foreign exchange system and overhauling taxation are decisions about how Nigeria earns, spends and creates opportunities,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the impact of the policies had been difficult for ordinary citizens, particularly families facing increasing expenses and struggling to manage limited household budgets.
“Changes have not been easy. Families whose budgets have been stretched, the pain was immediate, the lasting improvement more difficult to feel and touch, yet they are no less real,” he said.
Cost of Living Remains a Concern
Seyi’s remarks come amid persistent concerns over the rising cost of living, transportation expenses and food prices, as well as the difficulties many Nigerian households face in meeting their basic needs.
The removal of the petrol subsidy and adjustments to the foreign exchange system remain key components of the Federal Government’s economic programme. Their consequences have continued to feature prominently in public discussions about the country’s economic direction.
Infrastructure, Key Sectors Highlighted as Long-Term Investments
Seyi argued that the government’s economic agenda should also be assessed in terms of investments capable of strengthening productivity and supporting sustained growth.
He highlighted infrastructure development, particularly the construction of roads and highways, alongside investments in electricity, mining, manufacturing and agriculture.
According to him, improvements in these areas could make business operations more efficient, strengthen connections between farmers, manufacturers and markets, and create additional employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He maintained that infrastructure projects and stronger public institutions should be viewed as investments in the future, rather than assessed solely on the basis of their immediate benefits.
“A road built today will serve people who are still children. An institution strengthened today can protect opportunities for Nigerians yet unborn,” he said.
