President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian youths to remain in the country and contribute to its development rather than emigrate in search of better opportunities abroad. The appeal was made during his 2026 Democracy Day address.
Addressing young Nigerians, Tinubu said:
“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here.”
The President’s remarks come amid the continuing “Japa” trend, which has seen many skilled Nigerians particularly in technology, healthcare, and academia relocate abroad for economic opportunities.
Tinubu argued that the current generation has a responsibility to translate Nigeria’s democratic gains into economic prosperity, stating that while previous generations fought for independence and democracy, today’s generation must focus on securing prosperity.
He also highlighted government initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people, including:
- The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
- Deployment of 10,000 tractors through the National Agricultural Development Fund over five years
- Certification of more than 1,000 SMEs for export opportunities
The President further stated that democracy should produce tangible benefits for citizens, saying its impact must be felt economically by ordinary Nigerians.
The statement has generated debate online, with some Nigerians supporting the call for nation-building, while others argue that addressing unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship is essential to reducing emigration.
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