The federal government on Thursday, emphasised its commitment to youth empowerment disclosing that efforts are being made to enact a law that will guarantee a 30 per cent inclusion of youth in government in Nigeria.
The Minister of Youth and Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio stated this while speaking at the commemoration of International Youth Day, 2024 themed “From Click to Progress: Youth Digital Pathway for Sustainable Development” organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Abuja.
She assured the youth that the federal government is constantly working out ways to ensure that entrepreneurs have access to empowerment opportunities and platforms, especially because around 60% of youths in Nigeria are engaged in entrepreneurial activities.
Praising the drive of the teeming Nigerian youth, the Minister highlighted that their “can-do spirit” and willingness to always want to do something on the side is what continually fuels the entrepreneurial resilience of the youth.
The resident representative, United Nations Development Programme in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attahfuah, emphasised that the UNDP is “committed to building a future where young entrepreneurs like all of you here are equipped with the digital skills to thrive, where your voices are amplified on global platforms, and where your innovations are recognised as vital contributions to our collective progress.”
"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."
In her goodwill message, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire noted that, “as policymakers, we have since recognised the unique perspectives, creativity, and energy that young people bring towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
“With the ICT sector now contributing about 13 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are using available technology to expand the productive capacity of the economy.”
She stated that the government is committed to fast-tracking the achievement of the SDG in line with the cardinal pillars of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
