Youth and the Second National Economic and Development Strategy (NEEDS 2) in Nigeria

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This is feedback from the process to ensure that youth issues are effectively integrated into the NEEDS 2 (Second National
Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy) being presently finalised by  the Nigerian government. As a brief overview, in August 2006, Development Partnership International carried out a comparative research focusing  on NEEDS and the needs of young people in Nigeria. The research was carried out through a detailed review of literature, particularly from government and World Bank sources, focus group discussion and key informant interviews. The findings of this made it clear that young people's needs are not effectively reflected and addressed in NEEDS and advocacy efforts need to take place to ensure that these are integrated in NEEDS 2.

Presentations were made at the National Council on Youth Development, the highest decision making body on youth issues in Nigeria and Youth Round table with Presidential Candidates, respectively. The key issues identified  as the priorities of young people include: participation, education, employment and HIV/AIDS While a number of key issues like Agriculture featured under employment and education, youth wanted investments in these four key areas to be intensified by the government.

This final position paper which was presented to the National Planning Commission was a joint effort of DPI and the  Nigerian Youth Network on MDGs. The report was developed after consultations with young people across Nigeria. A final team of 14 young people were supported to attend a final drafting meeting. The document was very well received by the Director of National Plans Development at the NPC and he promised to ensure that all issues raised will be integrated into NEEDS 2.

As part of the next steps, it has been recommended that a youth expert panel on NEEDS 2 be established to ensure the implementation of key targets and to carryout monitoring and evaluation roles.

Thanks to the UNFPA Country Office in Nigeria for supporting the participation of young people at the various consultations held across the country and the final consultation in Abuja. Thanks to the Centre for Creative Arts Education and Centre for Development Support Initiatives for supporting the research process carried out by DPI as well as its dissemination.

 

Documentation

Download (PDF) Youth Position Paper on NEEDS 2

Download (PowerPoint) presentation on NEEDS 2 (Integrating the needs of Young People into NEEDS2)

Download (Word) document "Meeting our every needs"

 

Report Filed by:

Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima
Executive Director, Development Partnership International
4 Eleme/ Onne Road off Eleme Junction , Port Harcourt 500001 NIGERIA

dabesaki@developmentpartnership.org
Phone: +234 84 751 002
Fax: +234 84 751 002
Mobile:+234 805 518 2526