The Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio, has revealed that efforts are underway to pass legislation that will ensure 30 percent representation of youths in government positions in Nigeria. She made this statement during the International Youth Day 2024 event, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative for UNDP Nigeria, also shared that over 250 MSMEs from across the country registered for the event.
The youth dialogue, 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 importance of engaging Nigerian youth. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, emphasized the urgency of addressing youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, noting that over 60 percent of the population is under the age of 25. She stressed that the situation requires immediate action to avoid severe consequences such as frustration and social unrest.
Dr. Bio added that the current administration has made significant efforts to support the youth, including the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a 30 percent youth inclusion in government. However, she pointed out that the goal is to make this policy permanent by working with the National Assembly to pass a law guaranteeing youth participation in governance.
“The Federal Executive Council has approved the institutionalization of this policy, and we are now taking a bill to parliament. We urge support to ensure its passage into law, which will mandate a minimum of 30 percent youth inclusion across all tiers of government. For example, if the cabinet has 48 ministers, once the bill is passed, at least 15 of them will be young people under the age of 40 in the next administration,” Dr. Bio explained.
