The Federal Government has launched the National Youth Data Bank to connect young Nigerians with employment, skill development, entrepreneurship, and empowerment opportunities.
Launched by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the central platform will capture demographic data, skill sets, aspirations, and needs to drive evidence-based policymaking and improve the targeting of government programmes.
Anchored on the vision to ‘Know the Youth, Understand the Youth, Connect the Youth, and Empower the Youth,’ the initiative aims to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, emphasised that the platform goes beyond mere data collection and storage.
‘The success of the Data Bank will depend on sustained collaboration among MDAs, state governments, educational institutions, development partners, the private sector, CSOs, and youth groups,’ Olawande said.
He noted that the system is designed to identify young people accurately, especially those in rural and underserved communities who are often underrepresented in existing datasets, and match them with tailored opportunities. He also assured the public that robust safeguards are in place to ensure privacy, accurate data management, and security.
Olawande added that the project aligns with the administration’s broader agenda across job creation, digital transformation, and human capital development.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, represented by the Director of Human Resources, Olanipekun Adebayo, described the portal as a major milestone for strategic planning, monitoring, and inter-agency coordination.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, represented by the committee’s Clerk, Dr. Ijeoma Chilian, commended the ministry, POGMA Nigeria Limited, and other partners. He noted that reliable data on young Nigerians will significantly bolster legislative oversight, resource allocation, and targeted interventions.