Nigerian Govt to Introduce Law for Youth Inclusion, Minister Announces

The announcement of a law to guarantee 30% youth inclusion in the Nigerian government marks a pivotal step towards empowering young people in the nation's governance.

Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Nigeria's Minister for Youth Development, disclosed this initiative during the International Youth Day 2024 event, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

The event, themed “Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems,” highlighted the critical role of youth in national development.

Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had already approved the policy, and efforts are underway to institutionalize it through legislation.

She stated, “The Federal Executive Council approved the institutionalization, not just as a policy now, but taking a bill to the parliament. We solicit support we can get to ensure that this bill is advocated for and it is passed into law to ensure 30% minimum, 30% youth inclusion in government across all tiers of government.”

The proposed law aims to ensure that at least 15 out of 48 ministers in the cabinet will be young people under the age of 40, should the bill pass. This move is seen as crucial for addressing the challenges faced by young Nigerians and enhancing their participation in decision-making processes.

Dr. Ibrahim noted, “If we have 48 ministers on the cabinet, we’re talking about, if this bill is passed, we’re saying we’ll have at least 15 young people under the age of 40 in the cabinet in the next dispensation. So, we seek your support to help us have more voices to speak to the challenges that young people face.”

The dialogue also signified the importance of youth engagement in achieving rapid development in policy-making and financial autonomy for nation-building.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, highlighted the urgency of addressing youth unemployment and underemployment, stating, “The current state of youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria demands immediate attention and action.

The consequences of this situation, including frustration and social unrest among youth and families, are severe and immediate. With over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under 25, initiatives like this are urgently needed.”

Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, provided insights into the entrepreneurial landscape, revealing that over 250 MSMEs registered for International Youth Day 2024, with 73% of entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35. Despite their potential, many young entrepreneurs face major barriers, with 49% of businesses earning up to only 1 million Naira annually.

Ms. Attafuah remarked, “73% of entrepreneurs here are between 18 and 35 years old, highlighting the significant role young people play in driving digital startups and business innovation. 60% have tertiary-level education, leveraging their knowledge to innovate, particularly in agriculture, technology, and services.”