FG Moves to Revamp National Youth Policy at Southwest Stakeholders’ Meeting
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and forward-looking review of Nigeria’s National Youth Policy as stakeholders from the Southwest geopolitical zone converged on Akure for a two-day consultative meeting.
The Southwest Zonal Consultative Meeting, held from February 20–21, 2026, is part of a nationwide engagement process aimed at revising the National Youth Policy (2019–2023) to reflect current realities and future aspirations of Nigerian youths.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Director of Education, Youth and Development, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, said the Federal Government is determined to ensure that the policy review process is participatory, inclusive, and responsive to Nigeria’s rapidly evolving social, economic, and technological landscape.
He described the National Youth Policy as the central framework guiding youth empowerment, participation in governance, education, skills development, employment, health, innovation, and social inclusion across the country. According to him, while the existing policy has shaped several youth-focused interventions since its adoption, a comprehensive review has become necessary to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
“The review is designed to ensure that the policy remains relevant, practical, and aligned with the aspirations of Nigerian youth,” he stated, emphasizing that contributions from stakeholders in the Southwest are critical to producing a regionally adaptable and nationally coherent document.
The Minister further noted that the revised policy will be aligned with regional and international frameworks, including the African Youth Charter, in line with global best practices in youth development.
Participants at the Akure meeting included youth representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, academics, and government officials, all tasked with identifying gaps in the current policy and proposing evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
In her remarks, the Director of Youth, Mrs. Olukemi Okukpe, who represented Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Henry Owoyofunmi, commended the Federal Ministry for adopting a consultative approach. She reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s commitment to youth development and pledged continued collaboration to strengthen youth-focused programmes.
The Southwest engagement is one in a series of zonal consultations being held nationwide as the Federal Government works towards unveiling a renewed National Youth Policy tailored to the needs, ambitions, and potential of young people across Nigeria.
The outcome of the consultations is expected to shape a comprehensive policy framework capable of driving sustainable youth empowerment and national development in the years ahead.
