Honourable Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister of Youth Developnment, presented the 2026 Budget of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development before the Joint Committee on Youth Development at the National Assembly. Our proposal reflects a strong focus on capital investment to sustain youth empowerment programmes nationwide.
Hon. Ayodele briefed the session on their achievements in 2025, including the expansion of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), the launch of NIYA Gig and NIYA Startup, the provision of startup grants to over 300 young Nigerians, the creation of 5,000 jobs in the data privacy sector in collaboration with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, and the resolution of over 6,000 cases through the Youth HelpDesk.
Despite a progressive reduction in budgetary allocation, our commitment remains firm. We are rehabilitating Youth Development Centres across the country, strengthening digital skills partnerships, and advocating for a structured 15% youth development funding framework at national and state levels.
Investing in young people is not optional; it is strategic. With sustained legislative support and improved funding releases, we will continue transforming the potential of Nigerian youth into measurable national growth.
