Nigeria at 65: Youth Powering the SDG Journey to 2030

Today as Nigeria turns 65, it serves as a reminder of both the urgency of the task ahead and the resilience of our country. Celebrations like this give us room to examine our past year and also necessitate planning for the next milestone ahead. In the next five years, Nigeria will turn 70 which is also the year that the Sustainable Development Goals are supposed to be accomplished worldwide. This alignment is a call to action rather than merely a symbolic one.

Progress and Persistent Challenges

Over the years Nigeria has witnessed progress in education, innovation, and social protection, but the obstacles are still very great.. With poverty still gripping more than 40% of our people, gaps in quality education limiting opportunities for millions of children leaving millions of students out of school, and the impacts of climate change which is increasing in threat to community members in several communities across the country. The United Nations reports that only 35% of SDGs targets are currently on track globally. This sobering reality makes it clear that we must quicken our pace if Nigeria is to stand tall at 70.

The Power of Nigeria’s Youth

Our greatest advantage lies in our youths. With nearly 60% of the population under the age of 35, the energy, ideas, and creativity of youth are Nigeria’s strongest tools for transformation. We already see this potential in action: young innovators building technology that reshapes finance and learning, climate advocates mobilising communities to protect the environment, and youth leaders raising their voices for accountability. Yet, the gap in representation is glaring. With only 6% youth presence in State Houses of Assembly and less than a third at the local government level, the very demographic that carries the hopes of the future is largely absent where decisions are made.

Bridging the Representation Gap

Bridging this gap requires intentional efforts to amplify youth voices and strengthen civic engagement. A shining example is our Civic Leadership Programme (CLiP), with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF). The project, which was implemented in Enugu East Senatorial District, its focus was to empower young leaders through civic education, participatory training, and strategic engagement with elected officials. By building trust between youth and lawmakers, CLiP demonstrated how structured initiatives can transform civic apathy into civic power. Such programmes are vital in preparing young Nigerians to take up leadership roles and shape policies that affect their communities and in turn translate to development across the country.

Looking Toward 2030

The next five years are critical. If young Nigerians step fully into civic life, champion inclusive education, build job-creating enterprises, advocate for climate resilience, and forge community partnerships, then the Nigeria that turns 70 in 2030 will fulfill its promise.

Imagine a nation where poverty is no longer defining, where every child has access to quality education, where governance reflects the people’s voice, and where innovation drives prosperity. This future is possible — but only if youth rise with urgency and purpose.

At 65, Nigeria’s story is still being written. The choices we make between now and 2030 will shape not just an anniversary but a legacy. The future belongs to the young, and the responsibility to secure it rests in their hands.