By Emma Okereh
Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio has disclosed that efforts are being made to enact a law that will guarantee a 30 per cent inclusion of youths in government in Nigeria.
She disclosed this while speaking at a programme to commemorate International Youth Day 2024, organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, an event which Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, disclosed over 250 MSMEs from across Nigeria registered for.
The youth dialogue was under the theme “Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems”.
Highlighting the need for emphasis to be directed towards engaging the youth of Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs H.E. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR who was also at the event said,
“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.”
Dr Ibrahim said the current government was doing a lot for the youth, adding that the Federal Executive Council had approved a 30 per cent inclusion for youths in the country.
She however said the intention was to institutionalise the policy, disclosing that her office was currently working with the national assembly to pass a law that will give the youth a seat at the table.
“The Federal Executive Council approved the institutionalization, not just as a policy now, but taking a bill to the parliament and 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
“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,” she said.
She said the inclusion of more youth in decision and governance would enhance rapid development both in policy making and financial autonomy for nation-building.
The Minister said the dialogue was a significant step towards President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s goal to build young entrepreneurs.
Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, said, “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.
“Yet, despite this foundation, challenges remain — 49% of these businesses earn up to only 1 million Naira annually, underscoring the struggle to scale amid broader economic constraints.”
She noted that despite the strong foundation of educated and experienced young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, significant barriers still prevent many from fully realising their potential.
She said the UNDP is an integrator and the lead agency for the SDGs, adding: “That’s why my colleagues and our government partners are here today—to listen to you and, more importantly, to leverage your insights as we design our next set of actions for youth businesses in Nigeria.”
