Daniel Otera
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Nigeria has issued a clarion call for a rights-based approach to youth empowerment, urging the government, private sector, and civil society to address the systemic barriers hindering the potential of the nation’s young population.
In a statement commemorating the 2025 International Youth Day, celebrated globally on 12 August, the NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described Nigerian youths as “deep thinkers, active innovators, mobilizers, and partners” in shaping a future rooted in equity, dignity, and human rights.
Nigeria, with a population exceeding 227 million, has over 70% of its citizens under the age of 30, making it one of the world’s youngest nations. Yet, this demographic dividend is overshadowed by chronic unemployment. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate among youths aged 15–24 stood at a staggering 50% in 2023, significantly higher than the national average. A recent post on X by DoveInsight reported that youth unemployment reached 23% in 2025, underscoring the persistent challenge despite slight improvements in metrics.
Dr. Ojukwu highlighted the economic uncertainties plaguing young Nigerians, noting that “many are disproportionately affected by the rising cost of living, poverty, and limited economic opportunities.” The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 35% of Nigerian youths aged 15–34 are unemployed or underemployed, with many resorting to informal sector jobs lacking social protection. This precarious situation fuels social unrest, migration, and insecurity, as idle youths are more vulnerable to exploitation and radicalisation.
Government initiatives like the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP) aim to create 6 million direct jobs in 2025, primarily in agriculture, to address this crisis. Similarly, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), launched in 2021, has matched over 20,000 fellows with job opportunities by 2024, bridging the gap between education and employment. However, experts argue that these interventions often lack coherence and scalability. Amrit Virk, a researcher, notes that “policy norms to address youth unemployment in Nigeria largely centre on skill development and job creation, but measures are typically ad hoc, detached from a coherent programme of sustainable reform.
Access to quality education remains a cornerstone of youth empowerment, yet Nigeria faces significant challenges. UNICEF reports that 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, with many dropping out before completing secondary education. The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) ranks Nigeria 164th out of 191 countries in 2023, reflecting low educational attainment and literacy rates among youths aged 15–24 at 78.6%, the lowest globally.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed concern over the “inadequate access to quality education and leadership mentorship,” which limits young people’s ability to compete in a modern workforce. The education-employment mismatch is particularly stark. According to BusinessDay, many university graduates lack practical skills for technical and digital fields, exacerbating unemployment. Initiatives like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have increased school enrollment through free textbooks and conditional cash transfers, but rural areas still face infrastructure deficits.
The private sector is stepping in to bridge this gap. Tech4Dev’s Digital for All initiative, in partnership with Microsoft, has trained over 400,000 Nigerians in digital literacy, focusing on rural youth and women. Similarly, Andela’s Learning Community has equipped 100,000 young Africans with skills in software engineering and cloud computing, enabling many to secure global tech jobs.
“Digital skills connect Nigerian youth to global job markets, offering opportunities in remote work and freelancing,” says Pamela Egbo, an international development expert.
Healthcare access, particularly for mental health and reproductive care, remains a critical concern. Dr. Ojukwu noted that “youth-friendly health services are inadequate, with rural and vulnerable young women facing the greatest gaps.” The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only 12% of Nigerians have access to adequate healthcare services, with rural areas particularly underserved. Low literacy levels exacerbate health challenges, as many youths resort to self-medication due to unaffordable care.
Mental health is a growing concern, with the Nigerian Mental Health Initiative estimating that 20% of youths experience mental health issues, yet stigma and lack of services hinder access. Reproductive health services are equally limited, particularly for young women in rural areas, where cultural barriers and inadequate facilities prevail. The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), an NGO, addresses these challenges through health and livelihood programs targeting vulnerable populations.
Government efforts, such as the National Health Strategic Plan (2025–2030), aim to facilitate universal health coverage, but implementation remains slow. “Investing in youth-friendly health services is not just a moral imperative but a development strategy to boost productivity and life expectancy,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.
The NHRC’s call for a rights-based approach emphasizes empowering youths as active participants in decision-making.
“In advancing the Commission’s mandate and inclusivity, we are committed to empowering youth voices, ensuring their full participation in decision-making processes, and protecting their rights in line with national and international human rights obligations,” Dr. Ojukwu affirmed. This approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those on education, decent work, and health.
The Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (2021–2024) integrates empowerment initiatives, but its successor is yet to be fully implemented. Programs like the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative aim to equip youths with digital skills, targeting roles in software development and cybersecurity. The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme has also empowered thousands with seed capital and mentorship, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
Despite these efforts, structural barriers persist. Corruption, ranked 145th out of 180 countries by Transparency International in 2023, undermines program effectiveness. Limited internet access only 12% of Nigerians have adequate connectivity restricts participation in the digital economy. Regional disparities further exacerbate inequalities, with northern and rural areas facing higher unemployment and lower access to services
To create a sustainable future, experts advocate for a multi-pronged approach:
Policy Reforms: Simplify regulations to encourage startups and incentivise youth hiring through tax breaks
Infrastructure Investment: Expand broadband and digital infrastructure to rural areas
Education Alignment: Revamp curricula to focus on technical and digital skills
Healthcare Access: Increase funding for youth-friendly mental health and reproductive care services.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Its youthful population, if empowered, can drive economic growth and stability. The NHRC’s rights-based approach, coupled with data-driven initiatives, offers a pathway to harness this potential. As Dr. Ojukwu aptly stated, “Empowering young people and protecting their rights is critical to fostering peacebuilding and national development.”
By addressing unemployment, education, and healthcare through targeted investments and inclusive policies, Nigeria can transform its youth bulge into a demographic dividend, ensuring a prosperous and equitable future.