Nigerian youths on Friday called for greater inclusion in governance and decision-making processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that they want a stronger role in shaping the country’s political and economic future.
The demand was made at the first National Youth Conference organised by the National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) in Abuja to commemorate Democracy Day, where participants also presented a Youth Charter on Accountability, Inclusion, Security and Sustainable Development.
The conference brought together youth leaders, civil society groups and stakeholders from across the country’s six geopolitical zones to discuss pathways for increased youth participation in governance and national development.
Speaking at the event, NYSF Chairman, Jamal Salisu Ahmad, said young Nigerians were no longer willing to remain on the sidelines of decision-making, stressing that inclusion was critical to the country’s future.
“We cannot continue waiting endlessly for a tomorrow whose arrival remains uncertain,” he said.
“We are not asking to replace anyone. We are simply asking to be included as partners in governance and nation-building now,” he added.
Ahmad noted that despite their large population, young Nigerians remain underrepresented in leadership structures and key policy decisions, a situation he said must change to reflect current realities.
“We believe government officials should be answerable to the people they serve,” he said, adding that youth participation was essential for accountability and effective governance.
The Youth Charter presented at the conference outlined wide-ranging proposals aimed at improving youth engagement in national life. These include the establishment of a National Youth Trust Fund to provide grants and loans, a National Youth Data System for planning and policy coordination, a National Youth House as a central hub for youth organisations, and a proposed National Youth Rights Act to safeguard youth participation and welfare.
The document also called for constitutional reforms, improved accountability in public office, enhanced security measures, education sector reforms and sustainable development policies targeted at young Nigerians.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ambassador Edet Eyo, described the conference as a national platform for dialogue rather than a routine gathering, noting that it represents a growing movement for youth inclusion in governance.
“This conference is not merely another gathering of youths. It is a national conversation. It is a movement,” he said.
Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, who chaired the conference, also participated in the discussions alongside other speakers and stakeholders.
Presenting the Youth Charter, HRM Sooko Oladotun Hassan warned that failure to prioritise youth development could have long-term consequences for national stability and security.
“Without meaningful youth development, national security and social stability cannot be guaranteed,” he said.
The organisers said the charter was developed after extensive consultations with youth groups, student bodies, ethnic associations, civil society organisations and professional bodies across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, reflecting a broad consensus on the need for stronger youth participation in governance.
The conference comes amid growing calls across the country for political and institutional reforms that would expand opportunities for young people in leadership, policy formulation and economic development ahead of the 2027 elections.
