Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has promised to introduce a $100 billion financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs if elected President in the 2027 general election.

Atiku, in a statement shared on his X handle on Saturday, said Nigerian youths need a government that creates opportunities for prosperity rather than one that teaches them how to cope with economic hardship.

He said the rising cost of living had weakened purchasing power, affected small businesses and made it increasingly difficult for young Nigerians to access jobs, capital and economic independence.

“Nigeria’s young people do not need a government that teaches them how to survive hardship. They need a government that gives them the opportunity to prosper.”

Atiku said his administration would prioritise restoring purchasing power, reducing the cost of living and expanding economic opportunities for young Nigerians.

He said the proposed $100bn financing programme would support start-ups and entrepreneurs, with the goal of moving young Nigerians “from dependence to enterprise, from unemployment to productivity and from palliatives to prosperity.”

The former Vice President disclosed that he made the pledge while receiving a nationwide delegation of N-Power beneficiaries who visited him to declare their support for his presidential ambition.

He said Nigeria could not build its future through the distribution of poverty, but must instead create an economy that generates jobs, rewards enterprise and gives young Nigerians a fair opportunity to succeed.

Atiku said the 2027 election would present Nigerians with a choice between continuing with an economy that he claimed was shrinking opportunities and building one capable of restoring hope, dignity and prosperity.

“We will make Nigeria affordable again,” he added.