Lagos: In spite of economic challenges, unemployment, insecurity and social development concerns, experts have identified the country’s youthful population as one of its greatest assets for national transformation. With one of the largest youth populations in Africa, Nigeria possesses enormous human capital capable of driving economic growth, technological innovation and sustainable development. Nonetheless, stakeholders say the country has yet to fully harness this demographic advantage.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, observers note that young people have historically played important roles in nation building through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and social mobilisation. They argue that Nigeria’s future prosperity will largely depend on how effectively it invests in and empowers its youth population. A youth leader, Usman Surajo, said Nigerian youths possessed the energy, creativity and resilience needed to contribute meaningfully to national development. He emphasized that young Nigerians have continued to demonstrate excellence in various fields despite numerous challenges and are seeking opportunities rather than special treatment.
Abdulrahman stressed the need for greater youth inclusion in governance and decision-making processes, asserting that their perspectives were essential to addressing contemporary challenges. Likewise, Dr Habiba Adamu, a political scientist, referenced countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia that have transformed their economies through investments in education, innovation, and human capital development. She highlighted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, particularly its youthful population, and called for improved funding of educational institutions alongside a greater emphasis on vocational and technical education.
Economic experts also believe that youth entrepreneurship can play a vital role in reducing unemployment and stimulating economic growth. Dr Marwan Ahmad, an economist, noted the significant contributions of young entrepreneurs in fields like agriculture, technology, transportation, fashion, and the creative industry. He stressed the need for access to affordable financing, stable infrastructure, and supportive government policies to foster innovation and business growth.
In the technology sector, Nigerian youths continue to gain recognition for developing innovative solutions to local and global challenges. Technology entrepreneur, Zainab Hassan, pointed out that young innovators are leveraging digital tools to create solutions in healthcare, financial services, agriculture, and education. She believes that Nigeria has the potential to become a leading technology hub in Africa with adequate investments in digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
Stakeholders also emphasize the importance of youth participation in agriculture, describing the sector as a major source of employment and economic growth. They argue that encouraging youths to embrace agribusiness, mechanised farming, and agricultural technology could help improve food security and reduce dependence on imports.
Security analysts caution that failure to adequately engage young people could have serious consequences for national stability. According to Alhaji Basiru Bello, unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion can make youths vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups and violent organisations. He stressed that empowering young people would contribute significantly to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and national security.
Observers note that Nigerian youths have also distinguished themselves in sports, entertainment, and the creative industry, projecting the country’s image positively on the global stage. Analysts believe that providing the right environment for talent development could generate substantial employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings.
Experts emphasize the need for young people to embrace discipline, patriotism, innovation, and civic responsibility. A development consultant, Mr Daniel John, stated that empowering young people is not an option but a necessity for national progress. Stakeholders urge governments at all levels, private sector organisations, and development partners to prioritize youth-focused policies and programmes, viewing Nigeria’s youthful population as a strategic asset capable of driving national transformation.