Southsouth youths seek reforms in National Youth Policy
Stakeholders across Southsouth have called for inclusive, transparent and accessible youth-focused policies, as the zonal consultation on National Youth Policy was convened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Network of Youth
Stakeholders across Southsouth have called for inclusive, transparent and accessible youth-focused policies, as the zonal consultation on National Youth Policy was convened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) in partnership with Linking Partners for Niger Delta Development (NDLink) and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND Foundation) brought together youth leaders, civil society actors, policy makers and development partners to review and make input into the National youth policy framework
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Nchelem Mekwa, described the consultation as a vital platform for engagement, listening and co-creation.
He said Southsouth occupied 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.
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“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 youths,” he said.
Mekwa highlighted challenges confronting youths, including unemployment, limited access to quality education, skill gaps and social exclusion.
He said in the Southsouth, issues such as environmental sustainability, economic diversification and community development shaped youth experience.
Despite the 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 to discussions, noting that their recommendations would inform policy revisions and implementation strategies.
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Providing context for the engagement, Evangeline Olapade, a programme officer at NGYouthSDGs, who represented the Executive Director, Joshua Alade, said the consultation became necessary following the expiration of the 2019–2023 National Youth Policy cycle.
She says a new policy is required to reflect the voices, expectations and evolving realities of Nigerian youths.
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.
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.
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She, however, said youths continued to demonstrate strong potential in entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and civic engagement, adding that the consultation aimed to translate their contributions into clear policy priorities, implementation strategies, sustainable financing plans and accountability mechanisms.
In her welcome address, Mary Joseph, NDLINK Coordinator, underscored the importance of the consultation for young Nigerians in Niger Delta.
She urged participants to engage and contribute inputs to the ongoing policy review process.
