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FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government
FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government
By: Michael Mike
The federal government is currently planning to push for 30 percent inclusion in government in the country.
Speaking at the commemoration of the International Youth Day in Abuja, Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio disclosed that efforts were ongoing to enact a law that will guarantee a 30 per cent inclusion of youth in government in Nigeria.
At the event rganised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, with the theme “Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems”, the Minister said the current government was doing a lot for the youth, adding that the Federal Executive Council had approved a 30 per cent inclusion for youths in the country.
She however said the intention was to institutionalise the policy, disclosing that her office was currently working with the national assembly to pass a law that will give the youth a seat at the table.
She said: “The Federal Executive Council approved the institutionalization, not just as a policy now, but taking a bill to the parliament and we solicit support we can get to ensure that this bill is advocated for and it is passed into law to ensure 30% minimum, 30% youth inclusion in government across all tiers of government
“If we have 48 ministers on the cabinet, we’re talking about, if this bill is passed, we’re saying we’ll have at least 15 young people under the age of 40 in the cabinet in the next dispensation.
“So we seek your support to help us have more voices to speak to the challenges that young people face.”
She said the inclusion of more youth in decision and governance would enhance rapid development both in policy making and financial autonomy for nation-building.
The Minister said the dialogue was a significant step towards President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s goal to build young entrepreneurs.
The Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, in her welcome address said over 250 MSMEs from across Nigeria registered for the event, saying it was a testament to the innovative spirit and collaborative drive Nigerian youth possess.
She said: “73% of entrepreneurs here are between 18 and 35 years old, highlighting the significant role young people play in driving digital startups and business innovation. 60% have tertiary-level education, leveraging their knowledge to innovate, particularly in agriculture, technology, and services.
“Yet, despite this foundation, challenges remain — 49% of these businesses earn up to only 1 million Naira annually, underscoring the struggle to scale amid broader economic constraints.”
She noted that despite the strong foundation of educated and experienced young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, significant barriers still prevent many from fully realising their potential.
She said the UNDP is an integrator and the lead agency for the SDGs, adding: “That’s why my colleagues and our government partners are here today—to listen to you and, more importantly, to leverage your insights as we design our next set of actions for youth businesses in Nigeria.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said: “According to International Labour Organisation’s World Employment and Social Outlook Report, globally, nearly 1 in 4 young people (23.5 per cent or 289 million) were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in 2023. Here, the National Bureau of Statistics puts the youth unemployment rate at 13.4 percent in 2023.”
She added that: “Evidently, the current state of youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria demands immediate attention and action. The consequences of this situation, including frustration and social unrest among youth and families, are severe and immediate. With over 60percent of Nigeria’s population under 25, initiatives like this are urgently needed.
“As policymakers, we have since recognise the unique perspectives, creativity, and energy that young people bring towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.With the ICT sector now contributing about 13 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are using available technology to expand the productive capacity of the economy.
“Of the about 41.5 million registered small businesses in Nigeria, SMEs sub-sector accounts for 96 percent of total businesses in the country and have contributed about 50 percent to the national GDP (NBS, 2023). Undoubtedly, this sub-sector is crucial to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.”
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria, Mohamed Fall said: “In recent years, the world has witnessed unprecedented changes driven by digital innovation. Across the globe, youth are leading this charge, utilizing technology to create businesses, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Africa, where the youth population is rapidly expanding, the digital economy offers a unique opportunity to accelerate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and create sustainable livelihoods.
He added that: “According to the concept note prepared for this Youth Engagement Week, digital transformation is one of the six pivotal transitions that can catalyze progress across the SDGs. With over two-thirds of the world now online and mobile phone subscriptions surpassing 8.63 billion in 2022, the digital landscape offers a fertile ground for innovation and economic development. In Nigeria, as in many African nations, young people are already harnessing the power of technology to drive change. They are not just participants in the digital revolution; they are its leaders, its visionaries, and its most ardent advocates.
Today’s youth are digital pioneers. They are using mobile devices, digital platforms, and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence to create new opportunities and solve complex challenges. This digital revolution is directly linked to over 70% of the 169 SDG targets, making it a crucial tool in our efforts to achieve sustainable development.
“In Nigeria, young entrepreneurs are developing innovative solutions that address critical issues such as food security, climate change, and access to education. From digital agriculture platforms that connect farmers with markets to fintech solutions that make financial services accessible to all, young Nigerians are proving that technology can be a powerful force for good.
“As we look across Africa, we see similar stories of innovation and resilience. Youth-led businesses are thriving in the digital economy, capitalizing on opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand their reach and impact. These young entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are building the future of Africa—a future where technology is leveraged to create inclusive and sustainable growth.
“However, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Digital transformation is not without its obstacles. Access to technology remains unequal, particularly in rural areas, where infrastructure is often lacking. Digital literacy, too, varies widely, with many young people lacking the skills needed to fully participate in the digital economy.”
FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
JNIM attack in Tillaberi signals deepening jihadist rivalry and expanding Sahel instability
By: Zagazola Makama
The reported deadly attack on a Nigerien Army engineering unit near Garbougna in the Tillaberi Region marks a significant escalation in the evolving security dynamics of western Niger and the wider Sahel.
With an estimated 67 soldiers and civilians reportedly killed and a military camp destroyed, the incident underscores both the intensity and increasing sophistication of militant operations in the region.
Beyond the immediate casualties, the attack is notable for its attribution to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which swiftly claimed responsibility. Tillaberi have long been considered a stronghold of Islamic State in the Sahel (IS Sahel), suggesting a possible shift in operational influence or encroachment into contested territory.
The incident reflects an emerging pattern of geographic diffusion of jihadist violence across the Tera–Niamey corridor, an axis that has repeatedly come under pressure from armed groups. The corridor connects several vulnerable departments, including Tera, Torodi, Say and Ayorou, all of which have experienced repeated attacks in recent years.
The Garbougna attack also fits into a broader sequence of high-casualty operations across Niger since early 2026, including reported strikes near Niamey airport in January and Makalondi in February. These incidents collectively indicate sustained pressure on Nigerien security forces and an expanding operational reach of armed groups closer to strategic population centres.
Of particular concern is the apparent intensification of competition between IS Sahel and JNIM. While both groups have historically operated in overlapping zones, recent claims of responsibility and counter-claims suggest a more overt struggle for influence, recruitment, and territorial control. The reported clash between the two factions near Petel Kole earlier in the year further supports this assessment.
The implications of this rivalry are significant. Rather than reducing violence through competition, the fragmentation of jihadist groups in the Sahel has in some cases resulted in increased attacks, as factions seek to demonstrate operational strength and legitimacy.
At the same time, the weakening of state presence in rural and border communities is compounding the crisis. Reports of closed schools, non-functional health facilities, and inactive markets point to a gradual erosion of governance structures in affected areas. This vacuum continues to facilitate militant mobility and recruitment.
Another critical dimension is the increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which has reportedly hindered post-attack clearance operations in the Garbougna area. Such tactics not only slow military response but also expand the risk zone for civilians and security forces alike.
Strategically, Tillaberi remains the epicentre of Niger’s insecurity challenges, given its proximity to the Mali and Burkina Faso border regions. The corridor’s proximity to Niamey raises additional concerns, particularly regarding potential spillover effects into the capital’s security perimeter.
The Garbougna attack, therefore, illustrates a convergence of three destabilising trends: escalating casualty levels, intensified jihadist competition, and shrinking state control in border regions. Taken together, these dynamics suggest a deteriorating security outlook for western Niger, with implications that extend beyond national boundaries into the wider Sahel security architecture.
JNIM attack in Tillaberi signals deepening jihadist rivalry and expanding Sahel instability
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