The Nigerian Government through the Ministry of Youth Development has inaugurated a National Committee for the review of National Youth Policy (NYP) 2019 -2023 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Inaugurating the Committee, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-ibrahim said that “the National Youth Policy serves as the framework for youth development, which will guide the operations of the Ministry, while embodying the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration for the youth sector.”
This is contained in a statement by the Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit of the Youth Ministry, Maryam Yusuf.
Dr. Bio-Ibrahim said that the Ministry is committed to engaging with stakeholders across the youth sector in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, as the review approach will be inclusive, extensive, global in view, and local in implementation.
“This engagement is critical to ensure that the revised policy is responsive to the evolving needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our young people,” she said.
According to the Minister, the committee’s mandate includes the development of a National Youth Policy that broadly addresses youth priorities in key areas such as education, employment, health, and civil engagement; emphasising inclusivity and integration of modern technologies and social considerations in youth development.
Global standard
Dr Bio-ibrahim urged the committee to apply international best practices in carrying out their responsibilities drawing valuable insights from sources such as the UNESCO Youth Policy Toolkit to ensure that the policy aligns with global standards while reflecting the unique context of the Nigerian Youth.
The review process is expected to involve a series of activities including the development of an inception draft and consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders across target priority sectors as well as in the 6 geopolitical zones.
The process will culminate with a national validation workshop for the final draft document, which will be presented for the approval of the National Council on Youth Development and the Federal Executive Council.
She assured the committee members of the ministry’s confidence in their capabilities while urging them to dedicate their utmost effort and expertise to this important national assignment.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Ahmed Umar explained that “the National Youth Policy, like other government policies, constitutes the guide document on youth development as it represents the declaration and commitment of Nigerian government to the practical support it intends to give to its youth.”
The inaugurated steering committee which is dominated by young people, comprises 38 members made up of government representatives and local and international youth organisations such as UNFPA, UNESCO, Commonwealth Youth Council, NESG, LEAP Africa, Youth Alive Foundation, Mind The Gap, FlexiSaf Foundation, Oxfam in Nigeria and others.