Nigeria’s youths ready for digital economy, Tinubu tells Mastercard

President Bola Tinubu has assured global investors that Nigeria’s youthful population is ready to compete in the global economy, describing the country’s young people as tech-savvy and eager to learn.

Speaking on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Mastercard led by its Global Chief Executive Officer, Michael Miebach, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu welcomed the company’s proposal to train five million Nigerian businesses in digital skills.

The President said ongoing economic reforms had repositioned and stabilised the Nigerian economy, creating opportunities for digital transformation, investment and job creation.

According to him, efforts to formalise Nigeria’s large informal business sector would accelerate digital adoption and economic growth.

“The most important asset is our youth,” Tinubu said, noting that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at equipping young Nigerians and small businesses with digital skills and modern payment solutions.

He also highlighted the role of the Bank of Industry in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), stressing the importance of accessible payment platforms and financial inclusion.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said recent economic reforms had created new opportunities in payment systems, credit markets and digital services.

Oyedele said more than 10,000 informal businesses had been applying for registration daily in recent months, a development he attributed to ongoing fiscal and tax reforms.