Abuja: Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has called for greater investments in Nigerian youths. Sulaiman highlighted the need for substantial support as Nigeria finds itself at a critical development point, with approximately 60 percent of its population under the age of 30, possessing significant potential.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman addressed the socio-economic obstacles faced by young Nigerians, which stem from unfulfilled policies, political promises, and systemic exclusion. He emphasized the necessity for evidence-based advocacy, accountability, and stronger institutional commitments from the government to address these challenges.
The director-general elaborated on the transformation of NILDS, noting its evolution from focusing solely on legislative research to becoming a hub for democratic capacity development, legislative strengthening, policy innovation, leadership, inclusion, and youth engagement across the nation. Through collaborations with the National Assembly, development partners, universities, government institutions, and civil society, the institute has enhanced research, policy-making, institutional capacity, governance, and democratic reforms.
Sulaiman pointed out that political processes remain largely dominated by older generations while young people are often used merely as tools for electoral manipulation, violence, and mobilization across Nigeria. He urged the government to develop actionable strategies that align youth policy commitments with substantial budgetary allocations, effective implementation, monitoring, and accountability in relevant sectors.
He also advocated for a comprehensive model to assess the challenges confronting young Nigerians and to formulate a sustainable development plan for them. Sulaiman encouraged youths to take advantage of opportunities to learn, build capacity, and become active participants in public policy creation, budget monitoring, and implementation processes.
Sulaiman expressed confidence that engaging in dialogue with the youth will lead to actionable policies, sustainable development, and change, while empowering the next generation of leaders to shape Nigeria’s future. He reaffirmed NILDS management’s commitment to youth dialogue initiatives and urged stakeholders to support young Nigerians who are strengthening and safeguarding the country’s democracy.