Youth Empowerment: Nigerian Government Vows to Increase Youth Participation in Decision-Making

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to incorporating more youths in the policy-making process, emphasizing that no nation can plan for the future without involving the young generation in decision-making.

This assertion was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his Technical Adviser on Women and Youth Engagement, Hauwa Liman, at the grand finale of the 60th Anniversary celebration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

According to Shettima, youth inclusion is a fundamental principle of the Tinubu administration, which has provided significant opportunities for young people.

“You cannot plan for the future without the young ones at the decision-making table,” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is quoted as saying. This conviction is reflected in the composition of the government, with some of the finest young people in the country forming the backbone of the administration.

Shettima emphasized that the government has worked tirelessly to ensure that young Nigerians are not only heard but also empowered at every level of governance.

The Tinubu administration has created unprecedented opportunities for youths to thrive in various sectors, with many of the administration’s ministers being young people.

This, according to Shettima, reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.

The importance of youth inclusion in governance cannot be overstated. As noted in a policy brief on youth inclusion in politics and governance, Nigerian youths possess significant numerical strength, accounting for a substantial proportion of the population. It is essential that this demographic is represented in policy-making and decision-making processes.

In line with this, the National Youth Policy aims to enhance youth participation in policy-making and policy implementation structures and processes.

The policy recognizes the importance of youth-led organizations in engaging the political process and promoting political inclusion.

The Federal Government’s commitment to youth inclusion is a step in the right direction. As Shettima noted, the government has assembled some of the finest young people in the country to form the backbone of the administration. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s governance and development.