The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to practical solutions that will directly impact the lives of young Nigerians, unveiling a new partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to expand youth participation in the nation’s capital market.
At the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Youth Development and SEC, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative is designed to break long-standing barriers that have excluded young people from financial opportunities. He noted that for too long, the capital market has been viewed as a space reserved for the wealthy, leaving young Nigerians on the margins.
“This initiative is about breaking barriers and opening doors. We want to empower young Nigerians not just to seek jobs, but to create them—becoming entrepreneurs, investors, and employers of labour,” he said.
A key part of the initiative is the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), a platform that will provide financial education and practical skills to young people across the country, regardless of background or location. The minister emphasized that sustainable progress would depend on strong collaboration between government institutions and private sector players, ensuring no youth is left out.
“Our goal is to raise a generation of financially savvy, empowered young Nigerians who will shape the future prosperity of this nation. With partners like the SEC, we are proving that it is possible,” Olawande stated, adding that meaningful legacies are built through action and collaboration rather than bureaucracy.
SEC’s Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, described the collaboration as a strategic step toward youth empowerment through financial inclusion and innovation. He commended the Minister’s action-driven leadership, which he said reflects the urgency required to address Nigeria’s youth development challenges.
Agama reaffirmed SEC’s readiness to provide technical expertise, access to funding opportunities, and investment platforms tailored for young people. According to him, the partnership will serve as a foundation for long-term socio-economic growth by equipping Nigerian youth with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s economy.
“This is about the future of our country,” Agama said. “Together, we can ensure that every young Nigerian has the opportunities needed to participate in wealth creation and nation-building.”
Analysts say the move could help bridge the gap between Nigeria’s youthful population and the country’s financial markets, creating pathways for entrepreneurship, small business growth, and innovation-driven investment. With over 60 percent of Nigerians under the age of 30, access to the capital market and financial literacy could unlock new opportunities for job creation and sustainable national prosperity.
