The Nigerian youth constitute the largest segment of the population and is often portrayed through the lens of stereotypes and misconceptions. Although some youth exhibit traits of idleness and materialism, it is crucial to acknowledge the diverse talents, aspirations, and struggles within this demographic. Economic hardships, insufficient access to quality education and employment opportunities, and systemic barriers often contribute to the perceived indolence. However, many young Nigerians display resilience, creativity, and a strong desire to make meaningful contributions to society, despite the structural challenges they confront.
The Nigerian political landscape has been dominated by recurring figures since the country’s first transition to civilian rule in 1979. Although there have been brief moments of youthful vitality in leadership such as the emergence of figures like Murtala Mohammed, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Ibrahim Babangida under military rule, these have largely been exceptions rather than the norm. The post-military era initially promised a wave of fresh, youthful leaders, with individuals like Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Naaabba, Dimeji Bankole, and several governors breaking the mold in 1999 and mid-2000s. However, this trend has since regressed, with older politicians consolidating power and perpetuating a cycle of entrenched leadership.
Despite the potential for youth-led movements to challenge the established order, many Nigerian youths find themselves entangled in the web of patronage politics. The allure of immediate financial gain, the promises of career advancement, and the perceived prestige of aligning with established politicians often outweigh considerations of ideological and principled alignment or long-term societal impact. Social media platforms, heralded as catalysts for political mobilization and grassroots activism, have become battlegrounds for partisan warfare, with youths readily deploying vitriol and propaganda in defense of their political benefactors.
Nigeria’s struggle for youth representation in political offices is not an isolated incident but reflects a broader trend across the African continent. The political landscape is dominated by aging elites who have been in power for decades, if not generations, with limited intergenerational reforms and inclusive political processes. Although there are exceptions, such as Chad and Senegal, where young leaders have risen to prominent positions, these instances are often overshadowed by concerns of dynastic succession. The absence of youth representation in key decision-making bodies stifles innovation, perpetuates intergenerational disconnects, and jeopardizes the prospects for sustainable development.
Despite the systemic challenges, grassroots movements like the Kwankwasiyya and Obedient have shown potential in mobilizing youth engagement in politics. Led by charismatic figures often belonging to older generations, these movements have managed to galvanize support and channel frustrations towards collective action. However, the reliance on older leaders as figureheads indicates the persistent influence of established power structures and the challenges facing genuine intergenerational dialogue and collaboration. While youth participation is increasing, achieving meaningful generational change requires dismantling entrenched power dynamics and fostering inclusive political processes that prioritize meritocracy and representation.
Youth appointed to ministerial positions in Nigeria, such as the recent Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, have often failed to meet expectations and enact significant reforms or address pressing societal challenges. Instead, they become embroiled in controversies involving corruption. A pertinent comparison can be drawn between the performances of these youth ministers and instances where experienced individuals, regardless of age, have excelled in similar roles.
For example, the tenure of Nasir El Rufai as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Chukwuemeka Chikelu as the Minister of Information under the Obasanjo administration contrasted significantly with both leaving successful track record.
During his tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007, Nasir El Rufai implemented sweeping reforms that significantly transformed the landscape of Abuja. His proactive approach to urban planning, infrastructure development, and land administration set a precedent for effective governance and earned him recognition both domestically and internationally. El Rufai’s tenure was characterized by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents of the FCT, demonstrating the potential for competent leadership regardless of age. However, the administration of the FCT under his leadership was also characterized by a lack of compassion for property owners who transgressed, as well as impunity.
Similarly, during his tenure as the Minister of Information, Chukwuemeka Chikelu spearheaded crucial reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s media landscape and promoting freedom of expression. Under his leadership, initiatives such as the liberalization of broadcasting, the establishment of regulatory frameworks, and the promotion of press freedom flourished. Chikelu’s tenure witnessed significant progress in media regulation and professionalism, laying the groundwork for a more vibrant and independent media sector.
In stark contrast, recent youth ministers appointed to key positions have faced significant challenges in achieving substantive outcomes or implementing transformative policies. Despite their potential and enthusiasm, many of these ministers have been hampered by a lack of experience, inadequate resources, or institutional constraints, resulting in limited impact on the ground. The failure to effectively address pressing humanitarian challenges, such as poverty alleviation, social welfare, and disaster management, underscores the importance of competence and expertise in ministerial appointments. However, the Minister of Interior has demonstrated mettle for his ministry was able to clear the backlog of traveling passport applications with the Nigeria Immigration Service within a short period.
The appointment of youth ministers is a positive step towards fostering generational change and inclusivity in governance. However, their success ultimately hinges on their ability to translate their vision into action and deliver tangible outcomes. The performances of experienced leaders like El Rufai and Chikelu underscore the importance of competence, leadership, and a track record of success in driving meaningful reforms and advancing national development agendas. As Nigeria continues its pursuit of effective and accountable governance, it must harness the talents and capabilities of both young and seasoned leaders to navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century.
However, in the House of Representatives, the young lawmakers, including Gabriel Saleh Zock, Ibrahim Bello Muhammad, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, and Abdulhakeem Ado among others, have a unique opportunity to inspire trust and hope among Nigeria’s youth. Some of these “fresh bloods” have already demonstrated their commitment to ethical governance by rejecting luxuries such as new SUVs, as demonstrated by Bello El-Rufai and colleagues. It is imperative for them to maintain their focus on transparency and accountability in their roles and resist any distractions that could jeopardize their integrity. The future of Nigeria is dependent on these young leaders to lead by example and champion the interests of the younger generation with unwavering dedication.
Today’s youth encounter obstacles in accessing quality education due to factors such as inadequate funding for public schools, overcrowded classrooms, outdated teaching methods, and a lack of resources like textbooks and technology. Without access to quality education, young people struggle to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in the job market, leading to feelings of frustration and disengagement from meaningful political participation.
Changes in societal values and cultural norms over time may contribute to perceptions of indolence among today’s youth. With the rise of consumerism, materialism, and instant gratification in Nigeria, young people prioritize short-term pleasures over long-term goals and hard work. Further, the prevalence of social media and celebrity culture promotes unrealistic expectations and a sense of entitlement among some segments of the youth population.
Compared to previous generations, today’s youth lack adequate political mentoring and role models who inspire and guide them to engage actively in civic participation and leadership. In many cases, the older generation of political leaders fail to effectively mentor and empower young people, perpetuating further cycle of disengagement and apathy. This lack of meaningful mentorship and opportunities for political involvement leads many young people into political passivity.
In conclusion, the struggle of Nigerian youths to attain leadership positions in politics reflects broader societal fractures and historical legacies of elite capture. Overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted effort to challenge stereotypes, expand opportunities for youth participation, and foster a culture of participatory governance that respects diversity and collective progress. Only by empowering the voices of the younger generation can Nigeria achieve its potential as a thriving, inclusive democracy.
