The Nigerian government has affirmed its commitment to giving special attention to the health and economic challenges faced by the country’s adolescent and young population.

Adolescents, aged between 10 and 19 years, make up 22 percent of Nigeria’s population, while young people aged between 10 and 24 years constitute approximately one-third of the country’s population, accounting for 32 percent.

During the opening of the Global Forum for Adolescents held in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Daju Kacholom, stated that the government has identified the social and health challenges faced by young individuals in the country and is determined to address them. Kacholom emphasized the importance of this unique stage of human development and the need to lay the foundations for good health during adolescence.

The 2021-2025 National Policy on Adolescent and Young People recognizes the diversity and heterogeneity of young people in Nigeria in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, health needs, and vulnerabilities. As a result, the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with youth-led organizations such as Education as a Vaccine (EVA) and PLAN International, organized the national event to increase awareness of adolescent issues and sustain financial commitments for adolescent-friendly services in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Dr. Gifty Addico, highlighted the significance of adolescents and young people, who make up around 63 percent of Nigeria’s population, as a key focus group for the UNFPA’s mandate areas. She stressed the importance of collective commitment to their aspirations, emphasizing UNFPA’s dedication to advocating for their rights, empowering them with knowledge and skills, and enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to economic and social transformation.

The government and partners present at the event were expected to make commitment pledges to further support the well-being of Nigerian youths and advance the goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero tolerance for gender-based violence and harmful practices.