The House of Representatives has urged Nigerian youths to play a more active role in shaping the country’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawmakers said the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends largely on the choices, participation and civic engagement of young people.
The call came on Thursday during the Youth Town Hall, one of the flagship events of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja.
The forum brought together lawmakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, youth leaders and students.
Participants discussed youth inclusion in governance, democratic accountability and nation-building.
House highlights youths’ contribution
Speaking on behalf of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere said the 10th House had placed youth development at the heart of its legislative agenda.
According to him, the Youth Town Hall has grown beyond an annual dialogue into a platform for influencing national policies.
He explained that recommendations from previous editions have shaped constitutional amendment proposals now before the National Assembly.
“Many of the ideas now reflected in the ongoing constitutional amendment proposals and other national policies were shaped by contributions made during previous editions of this Town Hall.”
He added that the continued engagement proves the importance of listening to young Nigerians.
“Your voices have influenced outcomes, and that is precisely why this platform remains relevant.”
Youths urged to shape 2027 elections
Meanwhile, Ihonvbere described young Nigerians as the country’s largest voting bloc ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said their participation would influence both the credibility of the polls and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The quality of our elections and the future of our democracy will, to a large extent, be determined by the choices, conduct and active involvement of young Nigerians.”
Furthermore, he assured participants that the House would continue promoting policies that encourage youth participation.
He stressed that young Nigerians should become active partners in governance instead of remaining passive beneficiaries of government programmes.
House lists youth-focused reforms
Ihonvbere highlighted several legislative initiatives designed to expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
They include the National Youth Service Corps Reform Bill and the proposed Nigerian Youth Welfare Scheme Fund Bill sponsored by Speaker Abbas.
He also cited a constitutional amendment bill seeking to reduce the minimum age for governorship candidates from 35 years to 30 years.
In addition, he pointed to reforms in education financing, taxation, electricity, cybersecurity and the digital economy.
According to him, those reforms will create more opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
FG restates commitment
Earlier, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande commended the National Assembly for sustaining the Youth Town Hall initiative.
He described the programme as an important platform for direct engagement between lawmakers and young Nigerians.
“It is very important that young Nigerians are given the space to speak, ask questions, share ideas and take part in decisions that affect their future.”
He also said the Federal Government is expanding programmes that promote youth participation in governance and entrepreneurship.
The minister listed the Nigerian Youth Academy, digital skills initiatives, youth enterprise programmes and the proposed Youth Green Fund among key interventions.
NASENI advocates innovation
Also speaking, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, urged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, technology and artificial intelligence.
According to him, countries that invest in innovation remain more competitive in today’s global economy.
He noted that NASENI’s Innovate Nigeria programme provides grants of up to ₦250 million for innovators and technology-driven businesses.
Finally, he encouraged young Nigerians to develop practical solutions that will address Nigeria’s development challenges.
The Youth Town Hall remains one of the National Assembly’s flagship platforms for promoting transparency, strengthening public participation and encouraging greater youth involvement in governance.
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