By Chinedu Echianu
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, has decried the marginalisation of young Nigerians in the country’s political processes, saying youths are often relegated to tools for electoral manipulation and violence.
Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, stated this at the 2026 State of the Nigerian Youth Dialogue held at the Institute’s Permanent Site in Abuja.
Professor Sulaiman who was represented by the Director of Training and International Cooperation at NILDS, Joke Akinsanmi said Nigeria’s political processes remain largely the exclusive domain of the older generation, while well-crafted government policies and commitments on youth development often fail to translate into meaningful action.
He observed that youth programmes remain scattered across different sectors without adequate budgetary backing or sustainable financial plans.
The NILDS Boss therefore called for immediate and actionable strategies to align government’s youth policy commitments with robust budgetary allocations and effective implementation.
He said the country must move beyond dialogue and political rhetoric to evidence-based budgetary advocacy, policy accountability and institutional commitments that would address the challenges confronting young Nigerians.
Sulaiman said the dialogue, themed “A Youth-Centred Nigeria: From Policy Commitments to Meaningful Investment and Action,” provides an opportunity for stakeholders to critically examine the issues limiting youth participation and Nigeria’s sustainable development.
He urged young Nigerians to use the platform to build their capacity and become active co-creators and monitors of public policy and finance.
The NILDS boss reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to initiatives that expand opportunities for youth participation in governance and called on stakeholders to work together to build young Nigerians capable of strengthening and safeguarding the country’s democracy.
The dialogue brought together youth organisations, tertiary institutions, development partners, civil society groups, government representatives and members of the academic community.
Edited by Julian Osamoto
