Policies are laws or regulations established by governments and other institutions to achieve common goals. Youth policies, specifically, are designed to support the development and empowerment of young people, improving their livelihoods and creating equal opportunities for their socio-economic growth. In Nigeria, various youth-focused policies have been implemented to ensure that young people can actively contribute to nation-building.
By understanding and engaging with these policies, young people can become active citizens, advocating for their rights and playing a crucial role in shaping a better future.
This blog post explores the significance of youth policies, highlights key policies in Nigeria, and provides actionable steps for young people to participate in policy advocacy and implementation.
Why Youth Policies Matter:
Youth policies are crucial for fostering the development of young people and ensuring their participation in decisions that affect their lives. Given that young people represent a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, it is essential to implement policies that address their needs and empower them to thrive.
Here’s why youth policies are important:
Promoting Inclusion: Youth policies promote the inclusion of young people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their perspectives are valued. The popular statement “Nothing about us, without us” underscores the point that youth policies ensure young people are part of decision-making processes that affect them.
Building a Sustainable Future: Investing in youth is key to building a resilient and sustainable future. Effective youth policies help young people contribute positively to society and the economy, fostering long-term development.
Reducing Inequality: Youth policies can target marginalised groups and provide supportive laws to ensure that these disadvantaged groups are not excluded.
Some Youth-Related policies in Nigeria:
The National Youth Policy (NYP): Established in 2009 by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the NYP aims to promote the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and protect the health, social, economic, and political well-being of all young men and women. It is designed to enhance their participation in the overall development process and improve their quality of life.
The Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP): Supported by NGYouthSDGs, the NIYEAP was designed to address the challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria. It aims to empower young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to secure decent employment, start their own businesses, or improve their livelihoods. Click here to read more about the NIYEAP.
The Not Too Young to Run Act: This landmark legislation, passed in 2018, reduces the minimum age requirements for running for elective offices, allowing young people to participate in politics and hold public office.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the SDGs are a global framework for achieving sustainable development and addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Now that we have explored some of the key youth policies, let’s discuss actionable steps for you to take:
- Get involved in advocating for youth rights and policy implementation.
- Participate in governance and hold leaders and policymakers accountable for funding and implementing youth policies.
- Stay updated with vital information in your communities that concern young people.
- Engage in dialogues and conversations that put young people at the centre of development.
- Acquire skills and knowledge to contribute to policy-making and implementation processes effectively.
Youth policies are crucial for fostering inclusion, building a sustainable future, and reducing inequality. To ensure these policies are effective, young people must stay informed, get involved, and actively participate in governance. Every action, from joining advocacy groups to acquiring new skills, contributes to empowering youth and driving positive change.
Your engagement is essential. Get involved today and be part of the movement for active citizenship and meaningful youth participation.
