The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, LEAP Africa and the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund have called for greater youth participation and inclusion in governance and economic decision-making to ensure young people contribute meaningfully to national development.

They made the call at the NYFF @ 5 Convening in Abuja on Wednesday, marking five years of supporting youth-led organisations across Nigeria through funding and capacity development.

The initiative, implemented by LEAP Africa with support from the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Luminate, celebrated young Nigerians contributing to positive social change.

Speaking at the event, the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Touré, said young people accounted for 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population and must be included in political, economic and other decision-making processes.

With the 2027 general election approaching, Touré urged young Nigerians to actively participate in national conversations and ensure their perspectives help shape the country’s future.

“Nigeria’s youth represent 70 per cent of the population, and the future of this country depends on its youth.

“If we don’t make space for young people at the table and ensure that their positions are considered in key decision-making, we cannot build an inclusive future for them.

“They need to be part of the discussion. So, in this election, we call on them to observe, be part of that conversation and ensure that the youth perspective takes the lead in shaping the future of Nigeria,” he added.

Also speaking, LEAP Africa’s Executive Director, Kehinde Ayeni, called for greater youth involvement in national discussions, supported by research and increased awareness of their rights and responsibilities in nation-building.

She said the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund, established in 2021, had supported youth-led organisations through funding and capacity development, while strengthening young people’s capacity to drive social change.

Ayeni stated, “So, we’re talking about 22,000 Nigerians across the country. This is a pan-Nigerian project; it is not a standalone project serving only Abuja or Lagos, but one that is very intentional about ensuring that most states are covered in large numbers.

“When I say most, I mean it is easy to say there are a couple of participants here and there, but we are going for diversity and inclusion. We have included not only the states but are also looking at minority groups, IDPs and people with disabilities, just to ensure that we cover a wide range.

“So, beyond the numbers, the direct interventions also include a thousand people, initiatives, institutions, organisations and young people who have received direct grants, training and support to participate in global-shaping events, not only in Nigeria but also outside the country.”

The Director of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, Dr Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, decried the perception of young people as inexperienced, urging greater inclusion of youths in key national decisions and leadership positions.

He stated, “A major challenge has been stereotyping, which has affected the resources, support and investments directed towards young Nigerians.

“My key message is that young Nigerians account for 60 to 70 per cent of our population. In terms of numbers, when we undertake development planning, it makes sense that our priorities and resources should go to the group that accounts for the largest share of Nigerians. They are bright and capable.

“So, my encouragement to the government is that, as it considers everything from health to education and security, it should remember that 60 to 70 per cent of its population is under 30. Therefore, any solutions we develop must take them into account.

“Another important point is that, beyond seeing them as beneficiaries of government policies, we should now view them as partners in progress. They have ideas. They have solutions.”

The event also featured the unveiling of the NYFF Five-Year Impact Report, documenting the Fund’s achievements and contributions to youth development across Nigeria.