Nigeria's Tinubu backs $2 billion Mastercard partnership as youth groups caution on NYSC reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed a strategic partnership with global payments firm Mastercard, after CEO Michael Miebach visited Abuja. Mastercard said it injects $2 billion in foreign exchange into Nigeria each year, blocks $200 million in fraud, and will support a Cyber Centre of Excellence and a three‑year programme to equip five million SMEs with digital and cybersecurity skills. The Northern Youth Frontiers praised the deal and urged the government to ensure northern states benefit equally from the fintech and digital‑economy initiatives.

Separately, the Coalition for National Unity and Youth Development appealed to Tinubu to suspend proposed changes to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The group warned that altering the scheme’s core identity could undermine its role in nation‑building, discipline and emergency response, citing NYSC’s contributions during the COVID‑19 pandemic. It called for an expanded review committee and stressed the importance of preserving the programme’s military orientation and civic purpose.