Nigeria introduces National Youth Database to promote evidence-based youth development

Nigeria introduces National Youth Database to promote evidence-based youth development

By Sarah Kitka

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has launched the National Youth Data Bank (NYDB), a strategic initiative designed to strengthen evidence-based planning, improve policy formulation and enhance the delivery of targeted youth development programs and interventions across Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch, the Honorable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawand, stressed that the success of the National Youth Data Bank will depend on continued collaboration between government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), state governments, educational institutions, development partners, private sector, civil society organizations and youth organisations.

He explained that the initiative goes beyond data collection and storage, stressing that its broader goal is to improve the identification of young Nigerians and connect them with relevant opportunities in skill development, employment, entrepreneurship, internships, digital programs and other youth-focused interventions.

Comrade Olawande highlighted the importance of inclusion, privacy and responsible data management, noting that young Nigerians experience diverse circumstances shaped by geography, gender, educational background, economic status, disability, location and access to infrastructure.

He explained that the database is expected to improve the visibility of young people who may be underrepresented in existing datasets, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, while ensuring strong safeguards for data protection, accuracy and responsible use of information entrusted to the system.

The launch marks the beginning of a long-term effort to translate reliable youth data into meaningful opportunities and measurable development outcomes, with the vision of “Knowing Youth, Understanding Youth, Connecting Youth and Empowering Youth,” in support of a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria, he said.

The Minister explained that the initiative is part of the federal government’s broader youth development agenda, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, job creation, skills development, digital transformation and human capital development.

He added that the database would strengthen the government’s capacity to identify emerging needs, design targeted interventions and connect young Nigerians with opportunities relevant to their abilities, aspirations and circumstances.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by the Director of Human Resources, Olaniepekun Akinwumi Adebayo, described the National Youth Database as a significant milestone in strengthening youth development planning and ensuring that government interventions are guided by accurate, reliable and relevant information.

He noted that credible data on the educational and skills profiles, employment status, entrepreneurial interests, location, aspirations and vulnerabilities of young Nigerians would be critical to effectively harness the potential of Nigeria’s youth population.

Dr Keshinro further noted that the database would provide an important platform for evidence-based policy making, effective program targeting, monitoring and evaluation, and improved coordination of youth development initiatives.

According to her, the platform would also support government institutions, development partners, the private sector and researchers in designing and implementing interventions that more effectively respond to the realities and aspirations of young Nigerians.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, Senator Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu, represented by Dr. Ijeoma Chilean, Registrar of the Senate Committee, hailed the National Youth Database as a notable achievement in promoting a more responsive, inclusive and evidence-based approach to youth development in Nigeria.

He noted that the initiative would provide reliable information on the country’s young population and support effective legislation, policy formulation, resource allocation and the design of targeted interventions.

Senator Adaramodu commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, POGMA Nigeria Limited and other stakeholders for their commitment in the development and implementation of the initiative.

The National Youth Data Bank is expected to serve as a central and structured platform for youth data, providing stakeholders with better insight into the demographic characteristics, skills, aspirations, needs and opportunities of young Nigerians, while supporting more coordinated and targeted youth development interventions.