Nigeria launches National Youth Data Bank to support youth development

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Youth Development has launched the National Youth Data Bank (NYDB) in Abuja. The centralized platform is designed to collect and manage reliable information regarding the skills, education, employment status, entrepreneurship, and demographics of young Nigerians.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande stated that the initiative aims to address the fragmentation of youth-related information across various government institutions. By providing a comprehensive database, the government intends to strengthen evidence-based planning, improve policy formulation, and ensure that development programs reach their intended beneficiaries. The Minister emphasized that the platform should serve as a bridge between the aspirations of young people and available opportunities in areas such as internships, digital programs, and skills training.

Olawande highlighted the importance of including youth from rural and underserved communities to ensure no one is left behind. He also called for collaboration between government agencies, state governments, the private sector, and civil society to ensure the project's success, while stressing the necessity of data accuracy, security, and privacy.