Delegates of the Nigerian Youth Parliament: Voices of Change

The Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) is a legislative and developmental training institution established to empower young people through meaningful youth representation in driving Nigeria’s developmental agenda. Founded in 2008, the NYP is a replica of the National Assembly, with 109 delegates representing all senatorial districts in Nigeria.

The Parliament is a non-partisan umbrella body for Nigerian youths, created in compliance with the United Nations Charter on Youth Development. It provides a platform for young people to voice their opinions on government policies that directly affect them.

The current Speaker of the 6th Session is Rt. Hon. Aliyu Zakari Idris, who took office on February 5, 2025. The NYP holds mock legislative sessions on youth-related issues and policies, fostering national unity and providing opportunities for peer learning.

The Parliament’s objectives include preparing Nigerian youth for participation in decision-making processes, inculcating leadership qualities, and equipping them for future challenges. The NYP also collaborates with various organizations to provide leadership training and entrepreneurship opportunities for its members.

Their roles and responsibilities are:

The delegates of the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) have several important roles and responsibilities. Here are some key aspects:

1. Legislative Representation: They represent the youth of their respective senatorial districts and participate in mock legislative sessions to discuss and propose policies on youth-related issues.
2. Leadership Development: They undergo training to develop leadership qualities, self-discipline, teamwork, and public speaking skills.
3. Advocacy: They advocate for the interests and concerns of Nigerian youth, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
4. Peer Learning: They share experiences and learn from one another through peer learning sessions.
5. Community Engagement: They engage with their communities to promote national unity and development.
6. Collaboration: They collaborate with various organizations and institutions to provide opportunities for entrepreneurship, digital skills acquisition, and employability.
7. Policy Development: They contribute to the development of youth policies by engaging in policy-making processes and presenting their recommendations to government authorities.
8. Youth Empowerment Programs: They organize and participate in programs aimed at empowering Nigerian youth, such as workshops, seminars, and mentorship sessions.
9. Public Engagement: They engage with the media and the public to raise awareness about youth issues and the work of the NYP.
10. Monitoring and Evaluation: They monitor and evaluate the implementation of youth-related policies and programs, providing feedback to relevant authorities.