The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to placing young Nigerians at the centre of national development during the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) Start-Up Grant Award Ceremony 2.0 and the official flag-off of NIYA GIGs.
Speaking at the event organised by the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Uzoka-Anite described the gathering as more than a ceremonial occasion, noting that it represents a clear statement of intent by the government to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development among Nigeria’s youth.
According to the Minister, the Start-Up Grant Award Ceremony and the launch of NIYA GIGs mark a significant milestone in efforts to support youth-led enterprises and accelerate skills acquisition nationwide. She noted that the initiatives are deliberately designed to stimulate entrepreneurship, strengthen digital and vocational competencies, and reinforce the creativity and resilience that define the Nigerian spirit.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized that by providing targeted support, mentorship, and access to financial resources, the government is laying the foundation for a new generation of leaders, creators, and problem-solvers capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
She further highlighted that the NIYA initiatives align closely with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth, MSME development, and the transition to a competitive, technology-driven economy. With young people forming a significant proportion of Nigeria’s population, she stressed that unlocking their potential is essential to achieving sustainable prosperity.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Uzoka-Anite outlined several key interventions and reforms aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young Nigerians. These include expanding access to finance through concessional loans, targeted credit schemes, and credit guarantees to reduce barriers faced by start-ups and MSMEs. She also pointed to ongoing tax reforms designed to ease compliance, lower the burden on small businesses, and provide incentives for start-ups, particularly in technology and manufacturing.
The Minister noted that the Ministry is also working to expand digital infrastructure and promote financial inclusion by collaborating with relevant MDAs and private-sector partners. These efforts are intended to ensure that young entrepreneurs, especially those in underserved communities, can access modern financial tools, participate in e-commerce, and thrive in the digital economy.
In addition, she reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustained budgetary support for youth development programmes, including skills acquisition initiatives, enterprise development, and innovation hubs. She stressed that accountability and transparency remain central to these efforts, with technology and financial oversight frameworks being deployed to ensure that resources reach intended beneficiaries and deliver measurable impact.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite commended the Ministry of Youth Development for sustaining the NIYA platform and for its consistent, innovative approach to addressing youth challenges through empowerment rather than dependency.
Addressing grant recipients and participants, she described them as the true focus of the initiative, encouraging them to use the opportunity not only to build businesses, but to create solutions and lasting value. She urged them to remain bold, determined, and purpose-driven, noting that their success would inspire others and contribute to national progress.
She concluded by reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Finance’s commitment, alongside other government partners, to creating a supportive environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive. According to her, the creativity, leadership, and innovation of young Nigerians will shape a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive.
