The federal government has taken a significant step to integrate Nigerian youths into the nation's financial ecosystem, as the Ministry of Youth Development and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to give young people wider access to the capital market.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, aims to equip youths with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities needed to participate actively in investment and entrepreneurship. It will be anchored on the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), a platform that will provide financial literacy training, mentorship, and direct exposure to capital market instruments.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative reflects the government's focus on practical empowerment rather than rhetoric.
"For too long, the capital market has been seen as a space reserved for the wealthy. Today, we are saying clearly that Nigerian youth deserve access too. This is about inclusion, equity, and preparing a generation that is financially literate and investment-minded," he said.
According to Olawande, the collaboration will ensure that young Nigerians, including those in underserved communities, are able to learn about savings, investment, and wealth creation — skills essential for sustainable entrepreneurship. He also urged private and public sector stakeholders to support the project, describing it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between youth aspirations and economic realities.
Director-General of SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, assured that the Commission is committed to making the capital market a tool for national development.
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"Together with the Ministry, we will provide access to funding, financial education, and genuine investment opportunities for the youth. This partnership is about creating a legacy that positions young Nigerians as active players in building long-term prosperity for the nation," Agama said.
Analysts note that this initiative comes at a time when access to finance remains one of the biggest obstacles for young entrepreneurs and small businesses in Nigeria. By lowering entry barriers into the capital market, the programme could foster an investment culture among the youth, stimulate job creation, and deepen financial inclusion.
The Ministry said rollout of the NIYA programmes will begin later this year with nationwide workshops, online learning platforms, and collaborative projects with financial institutions.
If successfully implemented, the scheme is expected to boost youth participation in the formal economy, reduce overdependence on government jobs, and position Nigeria's next generation for wealth creation and economic stability.
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