The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to tackling youth unemployment by setting a goal of generating three million job opportunities each year. This initiative aims to harness Nigeria's large youthful population for national development.
Inauguration of Youth Policy Dialogue Series
The commitment was announced during the launch of the Youth Policy Dialogue Series, themed “Exploring Strategies for Effective Implementation of the National Youth Policy.” The event was organized by the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) Secretariat and the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI). It took place on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, bringing together stakeholders to evaluate gaps in youth policy implementation and propose reforms.
Keynote Address by NALTF Executive Secretary
Rt. Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF), stated that the job creation target is a central pillar of the national youth development agenda. He explained that beyond job creation, the government is expanding opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, technology, security, and innovation-driven industries. Nwawuba noted that while a National Youth Policy exists, many young Nigerians are unaware of it or unable to benefit due to weak implementation and limited sensitization. He called for stronger awareness campaigns and policy visibility.
Nwawuba emphasized that policy innovation and legislative engagement could unlock new employment pathways, particularly by leveraging agriculture, security, and emerging technologies. He added that early and sustained awareness efforts are critical to improving uptake of government programs that have historically suffered from low participation.
CoSPAL Secretary-General's Remarks
Ambassador Dapo Oyewole, Secretary-General of CoSPAL, described Nigeria's youthful population as a strategic asset that must be converted into a demographic dividend. He stressed that the government must prioritize creating opportunities, expanding infrastructure, and improving access to resources that enable young people to contribute meaningfully to national development. Oyewole commended the Ministry of Youth Development for its role in advancing youth-focused policies, noting that the current administration is committed to inclusion. He stated, “This is about ensuring that the youth policy becomes an actionable framework implemented jointly by government, civil society, and young people.”
Youth Parliament Speaker's Proposals
Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari, Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, called for reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) age limit, proposing an increase from 29 years to between 33 and 35 years to accommodate more graduates. He also advocated a similar review of age limits for recruitment into government agencies, arguing that socio-economic challenges often delay educational progression. Zakari urged constitutional reforms to ensure that youth-focused political and administrative offices, such as ministers and commissioners at federal and state levels, are occupied strictly by individuals within the 18 to 35 age bracket, insisting this would guarantee genuine youth representation in governance.
Stakeholder Consensus
Stakeholders at the dialogue agreed that stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, and young people is essential to translating youth policies into tangible economic opportunities nationwide.
