By Elizabeth Osayande, Abuja

The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative NGYouthSDGs, recently organised a high-level stakeholders’ dialogue on Nigeria’s National Youth Policy, NYP, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the British High Commission.*

The closed-door event gathered senior representatives from various sectors, including government, the National Assembly, state government, development partners, the private sector, and youth civil society organisations. This dialogue aimed to reflect on the findings from NGYouthSDGs’ national youth consultation, which engaged over 550 young Nigerians in Bauchi, Benue, and Rivers States between January and March 2026. This consultation was funded by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) and also included two national virtual sessions.

Key findings from the consultation were clear: “Nigeria does not lack ideas for youth development; it lacks accountable execution,” emphasised Joshua Alade, Founder and Executive Director of NGYouthSDGs. “Young Nigerians have already told us, with remarkable consistency, what the next National Youth Policy needs to get right,” he added. Alade highlighted that the previous National Youth Policy (2019-2023) set ambitious goals but failed in its implementation, noting that evaluations intended to assess its impact were never publicly conducted.

The dialogue focused on three priority areas for the next policy cycle: financing, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring structured participation of young people in both implementation and oversight.

Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Despan Kwardem, expressed support for the dialogue. “The Federal Ministry of Youth Development welcomes this dialogue as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the next National Youth Policy reflects the realities and priorities of young Nigerians,” he said. He further acknowledged the collaboration with NGYouthSDGs and the British High Commission in bringing diverse voices to the forefront of policy formulation.

Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, Cynthia Rowe, remarked on the necessity of involving youth in the development process. “The UK is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and NGYouthSDGs on this important conversation. Nigeria’s young people are not just its future; they are central to its present transformation,” she stated.

A communiqué outlining key reflections and recommendations from the dialogue will be formally submitted to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and relevant National Assembly committees as Nigeria’s next National Youth Policy moves toward finalisation.