By Raliat Abdulkadir
In Nigeria today, the youths make up to 60% of the nation’s population which makes peace building a necessity for the country. Due to the high number of youths in the country, it is very crucial to use their potential to create a peace driven and sustainable nation. In recent years, young Nigerians have demonstrated a strong desire for positive change through advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. From community-based peace initiatives in the North-East to digital campaigns promoting tolerance and dialogue, youths are increasingly taking active roles in reducing violence, promoting inclusion, and rebuilding trust among diverse groups.However, several challenges hinder their full participation. These challenges include unemployment, political exclusion, poor education systems, and limited access to decision-making spaces. These factors can leave young people vulnerable to manipulation or participation in violent activities.
Unemployment: Unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian youths today. Despite being the most educated and dynamic generation in the country’s history, millions of young people struggle to find decent jobs or sustainable livelihoods. This growing unemployment crisis not only affects individual well-being but also poses a serious threat to national development and social stability.
Political Exclusion: Political exclusion remains one of the major barriers preventing Nigerian youths from fully contributing to national development. Despite representing over 60% of the country’s population, young people are often sidelined in decision-making processes, governance, and leadership positions. This exclusion has serious consequences. When young people are shut out of governance, their voices, creativity, and innovative ideas are lost. It also fuels apathy, frustration, and sometimes unrest, as youths begin to feel alienated from the system meant to serve them.Limited Access to decision making spaces.
In Nigeria, young people form the majority of the population, yet they remain largely excluded from key decision-making spaces. Whether in government, political parties, or community leadership structures, youths are often seen as followers rather than active participants in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives. When Nigerian youths are empowered to participate meaningfully in decision-making, the nation benefits from their creativity, energy, and vision. Their inclusion is not just a democratic right is a pathway to a more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous Nigeria.To strengthen democracy, Nigeria must go beyond symbolic gestures and create real opportunities for youth inclusion. This means reforming political parties, reducing financial barriers, promoting civic education, and supporting young candidates with leadership potential. For peace building to be effective, government institutions, civil society, and international partners must meaningfully include young people in peace processes. This means investing in education, supporting youth-led organizations, promoting inter-ethnic dialogue, and ensuring that policies reflect the voices of young Nigerians.
Ultimately, when empowered, Nigerian youths can transform their energy, creativity, and resilience into powerful tools for nation-building. Their involvement is essential for achieving lasting peace and sustainable development. Raliat Abdulkadir is a volunteer at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Abuja. She can be reached at raliatabdulkadir87@gmail.com.
