President Bola Tinubu has been urged to prioritise partnerships that emphasise technology transfer and skill development for Nigerian youth in the ongoing industrialisation efforts of his administration.
An entrepreneur, Kabiru Adeniyi Adisa gave this charge on Thursday in his open letter to Tinubu entitled: “Re: Advice on the Way Forward for Nigeria.”
He lauded Tinubu’s leadership for initiating several significant changes aimed at reshaping the future of the nation, adding that “while some initiatives have begun to yield results, others remain in various stages of implementation, with promising potential for the future.”
Offering his perspective on what might be the next critical steps to accelerate collective progress in the country, Adisa called in the President to revamp local industries and promote entrepreneurship, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stressing that it will ensure sustainable development and economic resilience.
Addresing Tinubu, he said, “Your administration has made commendable strides in infrastructure and economic policies, yet the diversification of our economy remains crucial. Agriculture, technology, and manufacturing are sectors with the potential to absorb our growing labour force. We need more targeted investments in these areas to create jobs, foster innovation, and reduce over-reliance on crude oil revenues. Ongoing industrialisation efforts, particularly in energy and manufacturing, should be supported by partnerships that emphasise technology transfer and skill development for our youth. Revamping local industries and promoting entrepreneurship, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will ensure sustainable development and economic resilience.
“Though there has been some progress in addressing insecurity, it remains a significant challenge. The focus should now be on equipping our military and security forces with modern technology and investing in intelligence gathering and community policing. By engaging local communities in the security architecture, we can create a more effective, grassroots-focused response to insecurity, which in turn will restore confidence in government efforts and enable safer environments for economic activities.
“The digital economy presents an untapped opportunity for growth, and expanding access to technology, particularly in rural areas, will help close the development gap. Targeted investments in digital infrastructure and ICT skills training can empower more Nigerians to participate in the global economy. Collaborations with private-sector technology firms can foster innovation, create new job opportunities for the youth, and contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic competitiveness.
“In healthcare and education, although efforts have been made, further investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially at the grassroots level, is essential to improve access to quality services. On education, reform efforts should concentrate on vocational training and skill acquisition programs that prepare our youth for emerging industries and challenges. Education reforms, aligned with industrial growth, will build a skilled workforce that can drive the country’s future economic success.
“Transparent governance and institutional reform remain critical to public trust. Strengthening institutions through anti-corruption initiatives, decentralization of power, and ensuring accountability will reaffirm the government’s commitment to the people. These reforms are essential to long-term stability and the effective delivery of public services.
“As Nigeria’s economy continues to grow, environmental sustainability cannot be overlooked. While your administration has made efforts in addressing climate change, more can be done to promote green energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. These efforts will not only protect Nigeria’s ecosystems but also open doors for green jobs and international partnerships, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable development.
“In conclusion, while your administration has laid the groundwork for many positive changes, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The economy, security, digital transformation, healthcare, education, governance, and environmental sustainability all require deliberate, sustained attention. With your continued leadership, these challenges can be turned into opportunities, ensuring a prosperous and progressive Nigeria for all. I am confident that the next steps in your leadership will further our collective progress, and I remain committed to supporting the vision of your administration in whatever capacity I can.”
