Youth in Nigeria includes citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria aged 18–29 years according to the new-youth policy (2019). However, the African youths charter recognises youths as people between the age of 15 and 35. Variance in chronologies are used in defining youth and are addressed by members of the state in accordance to their particular society.
Background
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria from 1999 until 2007, believes that identifying and addressing issues that would enhance the lives of the youth would improve overall national development. He stated that, "Youths constitute Nigeria's only hope for a greater future". The Nigerian government characterises youth as ambitious, enthusiastic, energetic and promising. They are considered vulnerable in society because of the rapid pace of change they experience at this time in their lives. Nigeria's Youth's right from time are notable to be change-agents and drivers of societal transformation. In contrast, in a developing countries like Nigeria, youth interests and roles have been undermined, resulting to poverty, alienation, destabilization and conflict among the youths.
Policy
A National Youth Development Policy was created and designed to advocate for youths and their development. The policy views youth welfare as vital to the Nigerian nation and its socio-economic development.
The National Youth Policy (2009) aims to,promote the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and protect the health, social, economic and political well-being of all young men and women in order to enhance their participation in the overall development process and improve their quality of life.
National Youth Policy focuses on 18 priority areas, including education, health, agriculture, women & girls, peace-building, HIV/AIDS, migration & human trafficking, poverty and participation. The draft 2009-2014 action plan accompanies the national youth policy. It is unclear whether this will be replaced or renewed.
Concerns from parents
The parents are very concerned about the welfare of their wards at their youthful stage, especially In Nigeria, so that they would not make mistakes. The youthful stage of life is very sensitive in youth life, that is why parent needs to monitor their wards to be productive in that stage in preparation for the next stage of life. The parents are more concerned about the following issues because of their high rate in the country:
1. Drug Abuse – 40%
2. Early pregnancy
3. Internet fraud or cybercrime
4. Alcohol Abuse
5. Sexting
6. Get rich quick syndrome.
National Youth Policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The 2009 National Youth Policy recognizes 5 priority areas that need to be addressed to enhance youth lives. These include the impact of globalisation, access and use of communication technology, the impact of STDs and HIV/AIDS, intergenerational issues in an ageing society, and youth perpetrators and victims of armed conflict. This is guided by several national and international policy initiatives, including National Policies for education, gender, health, population for sustainable development and the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS). The Millennium Development Goals, the African Youth Charter, and other international agreements further guide the policy goals found in the document.
National Youth Policy prioritises the difficulties women have faced throughout history. Some women experience less occupational opportunity, physical violence, abuse and labour exploitation. The policy seeks to protect their rights and promote female youths' interests and goals. By empowering females, restoring their dignity, establishing programs to end gender-based discrimination and promoting the rights, Nigerian youth policy places emphasis on the needs of young women.
The National Youth Policy has adopted a program for youth that are disabled. The Federal Republic of Nigeria believes that persons with disabilities have rights that should be protected by the government. The program promotes awareness of struggles that the disabled face, removing negative attitudes, while empowering the young men and women with disabilities.