Nigeria's Youth Empowerment Crucial for Economic Growth

The article emphasizes the critical importance of youth empowerment in Nigeria, where over 68 percent of the population is under 30 years old. The African Development Bank views this demographic as a historic opportunity, but the World Bank's 2026 assessment reveals that deficits in health, education, and skills are costing Nigeria 111 percent of future labor earnings.

Currently, 15.6 percent of Nigerians aged 15–24 are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET), equating to approximately 6.5 million young people, with a higher rate among females at 17.3 percent. The article argues that youth empowerment should focus on building capabilities and economic systems rather than merely distributing small grants or certificates.

It stresses the need for young Nigerians to become productive citizens, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers to transform the economy and avoid leaving their potential idle.