The Federal Government has announced October as the new date for the long-awaited National Youth Conference, with 360 representatives expected from Nigeria’s federal constituencies and six additional delegates from the diaspora.
The two-week conference is being organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development as part of efforts to create a structured platform for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in national development and policy discussions.
Conference to Hold in Two Phases
According to a statement issued by Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Chairman of the National Youth Conference Planning Committee, the programme will begin with a nationwide virtual consultation involving young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35.
The virtual phase will allow participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora to submit memoranda, ideas and policy proposals through an online platform.
The second phase will be a physical conference in Abuja, where youth delegates will deliberate on key national issues and develop practical recommendations for government and other relevant institutions.
The physical conference is expected to have one youth delegate from each of Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies, in addition to six diaspora delegates, as well as stakeholders and observers.
Why the Federal Government Is Organising the Confab
The government said the conference is intended to move youth engagement beyond periodic consultations and create opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute directly to policy development and national planning.
Olusanya said participants would be expected to identify challenges affecting young people, propose workable solutions and develop recommendations capable of influencing government policies.
The conference will focus on several areas considered critical to Nigeria’s development, including governance and political participation, economic transformation, entrepreneurship, job creation, education, skills development, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Other areas expected to receive attention include climate change, energy transition, social cohesion and national security.
Conference Was First Announced in 2024
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu first announced plans for a 30-day National Youth Conference on October 1, 2024, as part of his Independence Day address.
The initial plan was for the conference to take place in the first week of February 2025, following three weeks of grassroots consultations and engagement, before a one-week gathering of selected youth delegates in Abuja.
However, the conference was not held within the proposed timeframe.
In March 2025, President Tinubu inaugurated a 44-member planning committee to oversee preparations for the event. The Federal Government subsequently launched an official registration portal in June 2025 to facilitate participation and the selection process.
The latest announcement therefore represents a renewed effort to convene the youth-focused national dialogue.
FG Promises Transparent Delegate Selection
The planning committee said the selection of delegates would be based on an open and transparent process.
According to the government, emphasis will be placed on merit, grassroots representation, gender balance and regional inclusion.
The process will also provide opportunities for persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups to participate in the conference.
State ministries responsible for youth affairs are expected to work with the planning committee to coordinate nominations and registration at the state level.
Innovation and Policy Sessions Planned
Beyond plenary discussions, the conference will feature expert panels, policy sessions, innovation showcases and networking opportunities.
The organisers said the activities are designed to encourage participants to move beyond identifying problems and focus on developing realistic solutions that can be implemented.
At the conclusion of the conference, recommendations from the delegates are expected to be presented to President Tinubu and other relevant government institutions for consideration.
Youth Minister Calls for Active Participation
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the consultation process by submitting ideas and policy proposals.
He said the conference should not be viewed simply as a gathering for young people to discuss their challenges but as a platform through which they can influence policies and demand accountability for agreed outcomes.
The minister encouraged eligible youths to participate constructively and contribute ideas capable of shaping Nigeria’s future.
How to Participate
Young Nigerians interested in participating in the National Youth Conference are expected to register through the official conference portal provided by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
With the new October schedule, attention is now expected to shift to the delegate selection process, nationwide consultations and the policy proposals that will form the basis of discussions at the Abuja conference.
The government hopes the initiative will provide young Nigerians with a stronger voice in national affairs while producing practical recommendations on employment, education, entrepreneurship, technology, governance, security and other issues affecting the country’s growing youth population.