Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerian households under his father’s administration while urging citizens to trust the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms.
He made the comment on Monday at the inaugural Seyi Tinubu Colloquium, held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
The event, themed “Shaping the Future Together,” brought together participants to discuss nation-building, youth participation in governance and Nigeria’s future.
Speaking during his welcome address, Seyi said every generation inherited a country shaped by the decisions of those before it.
He argued that the present generation had a responsibility to make choices that would improve conditions for those coming after them.
He also defended President Tinubu’s decision to implement economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the foreign exchange system and an overhaul of the tax structure.
According to him, the policies were intended to address longstanding economic challenges and create opportunities for younger Nigerians, even though their immediate effects had placed considerable pressure on 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 maintained that the reforms were connected to how the country generates revenue, manages public resources and creates opportunities for its citizens.
He urged Nigerians to consider their long-term objectives while acknowledging the difficulties associated with the changes.
“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 admitted that the effects of the policies had not been easy for ordinary Nigerians, particularly households struggling to manage rising expenses and limited 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.
His comments come amid continuing concerns over the cost of living, transportation, food prices and the ability of many households to meet their basic needs.
The removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange market have remained central to the Federal Government’s economic programme, with their effects continuing to feature in public discussions about the country’s economic direction.
Seyi argued that the government’s approach should also be assessed through investments that could improve productivity and support economic growth over time.
He pointed to infrastructure development, particularly roads and highways, as well as investment in electricity, mining, manufacturing and agriculture.
He said these sectors could help businesses operate more efficiently, connect farmers and manufacturers to markets, and expand employment opportunities for young people.
According to him, infrastructure projects and stronger public institutions should be viewed as investments that could benefit future generations, rather than initiatives whose value could only be measured by their immediate impact.
“A road built today will serve people who are still children. An institution strengthened today can protect opportunities for Nigerians yet unborn,” he said.
