In a move aimed at addressing youth unrest and fostering inclusivity in governance, the Federal Government of Nigeria is initiating efforts to enact a law mandating a minimum of 30% youth representation across all tiers of government.

This was announced by the Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, during a program celebrating International Youth Day 2024, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

“The current administration is fully committed to empowering Nigerian youth, and as a testament to this commitment, the Federal Executive Council has already approved a 30% youth inclusion policy,” Dr. Ibrahim stated. However, she emphasized the need to solidify this commitment by transforming the policy into law.

“We are preparing to take a bill to the parliament and are seeking all the support we can get to ensure that this bill is advocated for and passed into law. This will guarantee a minimum of 30% youth inclusion across all tiers of government,” Dr. Ibrahim added. “If the bill is passed, it will significantly alter the composition of the nation’s leadership, ensuring that young voices are represented at the highest levels of government.”

Highlighting the potential impact of the proposed legislation, Dr. Ibrahim noted that with 48 ministers in the current cabinet, the bill could ensure that at least 15 young individuals under the age of 40 would be part of the next cabinet. She underscored the importance of increasing youth participation in governance, stating that it is crucial for rapid national development, particularly in areas such as policy-making and financial autonomy.

The Minister called for widespread support to ensure that young Nigerians have more opportunities to influence decisions affecting their lives and the future of the nation. “Youth participation in governance is not just a matter of inclusion; it’s about harnessing the energy, creativity, and innovation that young people bring to the table,” she said.

The announcement was made during a 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.” The event attracted over 250 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across Nigeria, highlighting the role of youth-led innovation in driving sustainable development.