Sokoto Govt, Stakeholders Demand Better Youth Policy Implementation

The Sokoto State Government, youth groups, civil society organisations, and development partners have renewed calls for stronger implementation of the domesticated National Youth Policy to boost youth development and inclusion in the state.

The call was made during a State Youth Policy Dialogue organised by Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI) under the Youth Leading Change Programme in Sokoto.

The dialogue, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, brought together 44 participants from government agencies, youth-led organisations, civil society groups, development partners, and representatives of persons with disabilities.

Participants reviewed the implementation of the youth policy in the state and identified gaps affecting coordination and inclusive youth development.

They noted that although Sokoto State had domesticated the National Youth Policy and begun implementation with support from development partners, several challenges persist.

Stakeholders identified low awareness of the policy, weak institutional coordination, poor grassroots dissemination, and inadequate inclusion of rural youths and persons with disabilities as key obstacles.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Muhammad, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the policy.

According to a statement by BCAI, the commissioner said the ministry would ensure the policy receives adequate attention across relevant sectors.

“The Sokoto State Government has already domesticated the Youth Policy and the ministry will do the needful to ensure the government gives due consideration to its implementation across relevant sectors,” he said.

Muhammad added that he would escalate the issues to Governor Ahmed Aliyu to secure stronger government backing for the framework.

The ministry also announced plans to translate the policy into Hausa and Ajami to improve accessibility and encourage wider grassroots participation.

BCAI Chief Operating Officer, Fatima Aliyu, said the dialogue formed part of a broader regional strategy to strengthen youth governance systems in North-West Nigeria.

Project Lead of the Youth Leading Change Programme, Sadiq Shehu, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote inclusive governance and sustainable youth development.