Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United Nations to accelerate empowerment initiatives targeting women and young people, as the federal government signals a renewed focus on inclusive development amid growing demographic pressures and economic challenges.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the declaration on Thursday during a high-level meeting with a United Nations delegation led by Felipe Paullier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The visit, described by officials as a strategic engagement, centered on expanding cooperation in critical areas such as financial inclusion, skills development, job creation, and peace and security.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the vice president emphasized that the administration views young people not merely as a demographic category but as a central force in national transformation. He said Nigeria’s large youth population presents both a challenge and an opportunity, adding that the government is determined to convert what is often described as a demographic bulge into tangible economic and social dividends.
Shettima noted that youth development remains a core priority for the current administration, stressing that meaningful progress in the country’s broader development agenda depends significantly on the inclusion and empowerment of younger generations. According to him, policies under consideration are aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the tools needed to participate actively in economic growth, innovation, and governance.
He outlined financial inclusion as a critical pillar of the government’s approach, highlighting the need to expand access to banking services, credit facilities, and digital financial tools, particularly for underserved populations. The vice president said such measures would help unlock entrepreneurial potential among youths and women, thereby contributing to job creation and poverty reduction.
In addition to financial inclusion, Shettima identified skills development as another major focus area. He explained that the government is prioritizing vocational training, digital literacy, and capacity-building programs designed to align with global labor market demands. By investing in human capital, he said, Nigeria aims to position its workforce competitively in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
The vice president also underscored the importance of job creation, noting that unemployment and underemployment among young people remain pressing concerns. He said the administration is working on initiatives to stimulate economic activity across sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy, with the goal of generating sustainable employment opportunities.
Security, he added, is an integral component of the empowerment agenda, as instability and conflict can undermine development gains and limit opportunities for young people. Shettima stressed the need for coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability, particularly in regions affected by violence, while ensuring that youth engagement forms part of broader conflict prevention strategies.
Central to Nigeria’s proposed collaboration with the United Nations is the establishment of institutional mechanisms to drive and sustain progress. The vice president suggested the creation of structured frameworks that would facilitate coordinated action between government agencies, international partners, and local stakeholders. Such mechanisms, he said, would ensure that empowerment initiatives are effectively implemented and monitored over time.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to gender equality, Shettima said empowering women is essential to achieving inclusive growth. He noted that women play a vital role in economic development and social stability, and that policies aimed at supporting them must address barriers related to education, access to finance, and participation in decision-making processes.
The United Nations delegation, led by Paullier, welcomed Nigeria’s renewed commitment and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation. Paullier described Nigeria as a vibrant and influential country, noting that its large and dynamic youth population places it at the center of global discussions on youth development.
He explained that his visit marked his first official trip to Nigeria since assuming office as Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, a role established following a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to strengthen the organization’s engagement with young people worldwide. The office, he said, focuses on advancing youth-related priorities across areas such as human rights protection, education, and skills development.
Paullier emphasized that Nigeria’s strategic importance makes it a key partner in advancing global youth initiatives. He noted that the country’s demographic profile, combined with its economic and political influence, positions it as a critical player in shaping outcomes for young people not only in Africa but globally.
According to him, the United Nations is committed to supporting Nigeria’s development vision through a range of programs implemented by various UN agencies operating in the country. These efforts, he said, include capacity-building initiatives, policy advisory services, and technical support aimed at strengthening institutions and improving outcomes for young people and women.
He further stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without placing young people at the center of decision-making processes. By ensuring that youth voices are heard and integrated into policy formulation, he said, governments can foster innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.
Paullier also highlighted the importance of gender equality as a foundational element of youth empowerment. He noted that addressing disparities in access to education, employment, and leadership opportunities is essential for unlocking the full potential of both young men and women. Without such efforts, he warned, development gains may remain uneven and unsustainable.
The meeting between Nigerian officials and the UN delegation comes at a time when the country is grappling with multiple challenges, including economic pressures, rising unemployment, and security concerns. Against this backdrop, the renewed partnership is seen as a significant step toward leveraging international support to address domestic priorities.
Observers note that effective implementation will be key to translating commitments into measurable outcomes. While policy declarations and partnerships provide a framework for action, sustained progress will depend on the ability of stakeholders to coordinate efforts, allocate resources efficiently, and maintain accountability.
For Nigeria, the stakes are particularly high given its rapidly growing population. With millions of young people entering the workforce each year, the success of empowerment initiatives will play a crucial role in determining the country’s economic trajectory and social stability in the coming decades.
As discussions between Nigeria and the United Nations continue, both sides have signaled a shared commitment to advancing a comprehensive and inclusive agenda. The focus on youth and women reflects a broader recognition that sustainable development must be people-centered, addressing the needs and aspirations of those who constitute the majority of the population.
The engagement in Abuja underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling complex development challenges. By aligning national priorities with global frameworks, Nigeria and the United Nations aim to create opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to long-term stability and prosperity.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments