The issue of whether young people in Nigeria can genuinely impact policy, shifting from demonstrations to positions of authority, is multifaceted. Involvement of youth in decision-making is typically viewed as essential for a dynamic democracy, offering new viewpoints, creative solutions, and a better understanding of public needs. Nonetheless, multiple challenges impede this shift within Nigeria.
Nigeria, a country brimming with young vitality, encounters a major issue: the limited involvement of its youth in politics. Although the “Not Too Young to Run Bill” was enacted in May 2018, designed to reduce the age limits for holding political positions, the actual situation remains quite different. Systemic obstacles, including economic limitations and societal prejudices, still push the youth to the margins, resulting in a gap between the people and their leaders.
Adebayo Ibrahim, an experienced HR expert and a supporter of effective governance and poverty reduction in Nigeria, shared his perspective on this issue. He believes that the idea of political inclusion provides a platform for all Nigerian citizens, especially the youth, by having confidence in their capacity to initiate actions for positive transformation. Although policies are not created on the streets or during protests, Nigerian youths must seek ways to enter the legislative chambers where budgets are decided and policies are formulated. Once they gain entry into these spaces, they are expected to establish themselves and maintain their presence there.
Although the “Not too Young to Run” policy initially generated optimism, it is documented that there remains a low number of young people in government, which fails to support the policy’s success, particularly when considering Ibrahim Mohammed, the youngest individual holding a position of power, who represents the Birnin-Kerbi/Kalgo/Bunza federal constituency. This falls short of an acceptable proportion for effective political inclusion, as noted.
One of the major challenges is the economic pressure associated with engaging in politics. Nomination forms, which can cost millions of naira, prevent many young, ambitious leaders from entering the political arena. “The expense of getting into politics is far too much for most young people,” states Ibrahim. “This financial obstacle not only restricts the range of perspectives but also promotes corruption, as candidates might try to recover their costs through illegal methods.” This economic limitation is worsened by the absence of funding and resources for campaigns led by young people, making it hard for them to match established politicians.
Cultural prejudices also have a major impact on restricting young people’s involvement.
In traditional Nigerian society, there is a strong preference for leadership from elders, which creates a setting where the opinions of young people are frequently overlooked or undervalued. “There is a belief that experience translates to wisdom, and young individuals are often considered too inexperienced to lead,” says Ibrahim. “This cultural inclination reinforces the exclusion of younger generations, preventing the introduction of new viewpoints and creative solutions in governance.” This issue is compounded by the absence of proper mentorship initiatives that could help young leaders develop the abilities and understanding required to handle the challenges of Nigerian politics.
To close this gap and harness the power of Nigeria’s young population, significant changes are required. Electoral reforms, including conducting drug tests for those in office and shifting certain political roles to part-time positions, may assist in minimizing corruption and encouraging honesty. “We must establish a fair environment where young individuals can compete based on their abilities, not their capacity to pay,” Ibrahim states.
Additionally, it is important to motivate young individuals to start their political journeys through roles in local government. This path enables emerging leaders to acquire essential experience, develop credibility in their communities, and have a real impact on policies. Local government is where actual work happens. “It is here that young people can learn the basics, create connections, and prove their capability to achieve outcomes,” Ibrahim states.
Social media, despite being a strong platform for young activists, needs to be used in a way that goes beyond virtual organizing and enters real-world policy-making positions. “We have witnessed the effectiveness of social media in increasing awareness and gathering support,” Ibrahim states. “However, it’s now time to convert that enthusiasm into genuine political involvement, such as running for positions and ensuring elected representatives are held responsible.”
Ultimately, introducing a quota system that sets aside a specific proportion of political roles for young individuals might be an effective way to guarantee their involvement. “A quota system can offer a short-term remedy for past inequalities,” Ibrahim states. “It can open up opportunities for young people to participate in politics and acquire the experience and visibility necessary to succeed.”
The destiny of Nigerian politics depends on the involvement of its young population. By tackling existing obstacles, encouraging changes in elections, and creating an environment of guidance and acceptance, Nigeria can utilize the enthusiasm and creativity of its youth to create a more successful and fair future.
Phillips Ilerioluwa communicates through ilerioluwaphillips@gmail.com
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).