The Federal Government has signalled plans to roll out targeted programmes aimed at empowering, supporting, and protecting Nigerian youths, as part of a broader effort to rebuild trust and improve engagement between young people and public institutions.
This direction was outlined in Abuja by Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Gender Matters to the Minister of Youth Development, during the presentation of the ‘Put Us at the Centre’ research report by Plan International Nigeria. The report captures the lived experiences of children and youths in the Northeast, particularly around humanitarian support gaps and the implications of shrinking funding.
Awujoola disclosed that the ministry is developing a structured “SEP” work plan—Support, Empower, and Protect—which is expected to drive a new set of programmes tailored to the realities highlighted in the report. According to her, the framework is being designed to address issues around safety, protection, and access to quality education, while also restoring confidence in government-led initiatives.
“The Nigerian youth are disappointed in the government; they don’t believe anymore. We have a challenge where even opportunities they can grab on their phones are ignored because they feel their voices are not heard,” she said.
“It is a process to win back this trust, and we are going there. We want the Nigerian youth to feel the government more and feel closer to us when they have issues, especially regarding safety and protection,” Awujoola added, positioning the planned programmes as part of a longer-term institutional reset.
As part of early interventions aligned with this direction, she noted that the ministry has already introduced a Youth Help Desk to address concerns including police brutality, alongside the ‘Waste to Wealth’ programme aimed at equipping unemployed graduates with practical skills and economic opportunities.
Stakeholders at the event acknowledged the government’s renewed posture but stressed that the success of the planned rollout would depend on execution and accountability. Mr Jonathan Abakpa, Advocacy and Youth Programme Lead at Plan International Nigeria, said the commitment signals the presence of reform-minded actors within government.
“It gives us assurance that we still have voices within the government who can speak truth to power when it is most necessary,” he said.
Participants also emphasised the need for collective responsibility in translating policy into impact. Mr Ibrahim Sunoma, Deputy Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, urged stakeholders to take ownership of nation-building efforts.
“Let everyone sweep in front of his own door and the world will be clean again. No matter how long the night is, darkness must give way to the light of dawn,” Sunoma stated.
On programme design, Mr Aniebiet Obot, Research Lead at Envision Platform, called for a shift from short-term interventions to sustainable models that can deliver long-term value in affected communities.
“When we execute a project in a community, we must think of sustainability. Instead of just planting beautiful trees, why not plant economic crops that the people can sustain for their livelihoods?” he said.
Ms Faith Karang of the Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted the importance of integrated programming that combines education, livelihoods, and protection, noting that partnerships with youth-led and women-led organisations would be critical to delivery.
Child Protection Specialist at Plan International Nigeria, Mr Anthony Sie, further called for a deliberate shift in power dynamics to ensure young people are not just consulted but actively influence outcomes.
“We need to move from consultation to accountability. This can only happen if we rethink and ensure there is a deliberate power shift to young people and children,” he said.
Also, Mrs Halima Ciroma of the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development said the state would move to review and act on the report’s recommendations.
The ‘Put Us at the Centre’ report draws from consultations with 132 participants across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, reinforcing the urgency for coordinated programmes that move beyond policy intent to measurable youth-focused outcomes.
