Body mulls inclusive reforms for national youth policy
Stakeholders across the South-South region have called for more inclusive, transparent, and accessible youth-focused policies as the zonal consultation on the National Youth Policy was convened in Port Harcourt, Rivers
Stakeholders across the South-South region have called for more inclusive, transparent, and accessible youth-focused policies as the zonal consultation on the National Youth Policy was convened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The consultation, organised by NGYouthSDGs in partnership with NDLink/PIND Foundation, brought together youth leaders, civil society actors, policymakers, and development partners to review and make inputs into the National Youth Policy framework.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Nchelem Godwin Mekwa, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, described the consultation as a vital platform for engagement, listening, and co-creation.
He noted that the South-South region occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s development due to its rich natural resources, cultural diversity, and human capital, stressing that youth inclusion and empowerment must remain central to national progress.
“The National Youth Policy serves as a critical framework designed to guide government action and investment in youth development. However, for it to remain relevant and impactful, it must evolve with the realities faced by young people,” he said.
Mekwa highlighted persistent challenges confronting Nigerian youths, including unemployment, limited access to quality education, skills gaps, and social exclusion. He added that in the South-South, issues such as environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and community development further shape the youth experience.
Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the resilience and innovation of young people, describing them as digitally aware and entrepreneurial, with immense potential to drive national growth if properly supported.
He urged participants to contribute meaningfully to discussions, noting that their recommendations would directly inform policy revisions and implementation strategies.
Providing context for the engagement, Evangeline Olapade, a Programme Officer at NGYouthSDGs, who represented the Executive Director, Joshua Alade, explained that the consultation became necessary following the expiration of the 2019–2023 National Youth Policy cycle.
She noted that a new policy is required to reflect the voices, expectations, and evolving realities of Nigerian youth. Drawing from a gap analysis conducted by NGYouthSDGs, Olapade highlighted persistent implementation challenges, including unemployment, limited access to finance, governance exclusion, digital inequality, gender disparities, and weak institutional coordination.
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According to her, while the existing policy has served as a framework for youth development, it has not adequately kept pace with socio-economic changes, thereby necessitating a more responsive and inclusive approach.
She, however, pointed out that Nigerian youths continue to demonstrate strong potential in entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and civic engagement, adding that the consultation aims to translate their contributions into clear policy priorities, implementation strategies, sustainable financing plans, and accountability mechanisms.
In her welcome address, Mary Joseph, Programme Officer at NGYouthSDGs, underscored the importance of the consultation for young Nigerians in the Niger Delta. She urged participants to actively engage and contribute meaningful inputs to the ongoing policy review process.
