Nigerian Government Approves Youth Inclusion Initiatives for Development
Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
The Nigerian government has approved two initiatives aimed at fostering better inclusion and development opportunities for the teeming youth population of the country.
Minister of Youths, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, made this known to State House correspondents on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Bio-Ibrahim said that the council has approved the institutionalization of a 2% youth quota and the restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).
“Towards addressing the long-standing marginalization of young people in decision-making processes, the Council has approved a 2% youth quota, ensuring 30% representation of young people, including an equitable representation of young women, in all government appointments,” she said.
She said the landmark decision is aimed towards encouraging youth participation in civic engagements and decision-making processes, thereby empowering them to contribute to Nigeria’s national development agenda.
“This will go a long way to address the long-term marginalization and exclusion of young people in decision-making, and will also go a long way to encourage young people to participate in decision-making processes and in civic engagements.”
Also Read: Minister Charts New Course for Youth Empowerment in Nigeria
The Minister of Youths further disclosed that the FEC equally approved the restructuring and institutionalization of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, a fund initially established in 2020 to support youth-led and youth-owned enterprises in priority sectors.
Recognizing the potential of this initiative, the administration has commissioned a technical committee to review and restructure the fund, leading to the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Fund through a legal framework.
She said the revamped Youth Investment Fund will receive an immediate infusion of 25 billion naira from the 2023 supplementary Appropriation Act, complemented by an additional 25 billion naira from the 2024 Appropriation Act’s Digital Development Fund.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved a 60 billion naira release through the Agric Investment and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Scheme, providing a significant boost to the fund’s resources.
The minister highlighted that the implementation strategy for the renewed Youth Investment Fund will involve the establishment of clusters, where young people will guarantee each other, focused on commodities with comparative advantages across the six geopolitical zones.
