The Federal Government is preparing to introduce legislation aimed at ensuring that at least 30% of government positions are filled by young people.
This initiative, championed by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, is part of the government’s broader efforts to address youth dissatisfaction and enhance their role in governance.
The proposed law follows the recent approval of a youth inclusion policy by the Federal Executive Council.
The government is now working to solidify this policy by transforming it into a binding legal requirement, which would mandate the inclusion of youth in all tiers of government.
This could potentially lead to significant changes in the composition of leadership, with younger individuals having a stronger presence in decision-making processes.
The announcement was made during an event marking International Youth Day 2024, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The event harped on the need for greater youth involvement in governance, particularly in areas such as policy-making and financial autonomy.
Over 250 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participated in the event, which focused on the theme “Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems.”
The UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, highlighted the critical role that young entrepreneurs play in driving innovation, despite the significant challenges they face.
