The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners, has commenced a regional consultation to review the Nigeria Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP).

The two-day meeting, which began on Friday in Kano, brought together stakeholders from the North-West, North-East and North-Central geopolitical zones to discuss challenges affecting youth employment and make recommendations for updating the action plan.

The review is aimed at ensuring that NIYEAP reflects current realities and addresses emerging challenges relating to youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the minister of youth development, Ayodele Olawande, said the action plan was initially developed for the 2021–2024 period in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other partners.

Represented by the chief youth development officer from the ministry, Abuja, Bakary Abayomi, Mr Olawande said the review was necessary to align the document with the changing economic conditions and employment needs of young Nigerians.

“It is a plan designed to address youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria. We are here to review the policy and the document and ensure that they are aligned with the current realities and employment challenges facing young people in Nigeria,” he said.

The minister explained that the plan was anchored on four key areas: employability, employment, entrepreneurship and equality of opportunities.

According to him, the four pillars are designed to improve young people’s skills, expand access to jobs and support entrepreneurship across various sectors of the economy.

Mr Olawande said the differences in economic and social conditions across states and regions informed the decision to engage stakeholders nationwide.

“Because of the differences among states, zones and regions, it is the responsibility of the federal government to come together with stakeholders and harness their comments, perspectives and contributions.

“This will help enrich the document as we continue our efforts to address unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking on the limited participation of women in employment opportunities, particularly in Northern Nigeria, Mr Olawande said the revised plan would promote equal access for all categories of young people.

“One of the four ‘Es’ is Equality of Opportunities. This means that, irrespective of an individual’s background, opportunities must be made available to everyone,” he said.

The minister added that vulnerable groups should not be denied opportunities to develop their potential and contribute to economic growth.

On her part, UNICEF adolescent development specialist, Ngozi Izuora, described young people as important drivers of innovation, development and economic transformation.

Izuora said Nigeria’s growing youth population presents a significant economic opportunity, but noted that many young people still face challenges in acquiring relevant skills, transitioning from school to work and accessing capital for businesses.

She identified adolescent girls, young women, youths with disabilities, rural youths and those outside employment, education or training as groups requiring special attention in the revised action plan.

The UNICEF official urged stakeholders to consider emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital work, the green economy and evolving business models during the review.

She said the consultation should identify sectors and value chains capable of creating decent, productive and sustainable jobs for young Nigerians by 2030.

Ms Izuora added that participants’ contributions would help shape the Youth Engagement Strategy for NIYEAP and the final document to be submitted to the federal government.

(NAN)