Nigeria’s youth are more than just the future of this country; they are the present. With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, young people hold the power to shape the nation’s destiny in the face of one of its greatest threats – climate change. Yet despite their numbers, creativity, and drive, Nigerian youth remain largely fragmented when it comes to climate and sustainable development advocacy. The time has come to build a united platform that speaks with one voice.
Why Unity Matters
Across the country, young Nigerians are doing extraordinary things. From digital agriculture and renewable energy innovations to grassroots climate justice campaigns, the energy and solutions already exist. But too often, these initiatives operate in silos, duplicating efforts, competing for funding, and struggling to be heard. A unified platform would change that.
First, unity would amplify youth voices. A strong, credible platform ensures that decision-makers cannot dismiss youth contributions as scattered or tokenistic. It would institutionalize youth input in climate and development policy processes at national, regional, and global levels.
Second, unity would strengthen collaboration. Instead of reinventing the wheel, youth organisations could share resources, knowledge, and networks. This would make projects more efficient, scalable, and impactful.
Third, unity would position Nigerian youth as continental leaders. Across Africa, platforms like the Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC) are gaining visibility. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.
Why It Hasn’t Worked So Far
If the benefits are clear, why has this not happened yet?
One reason is fragmentation. Many youth groups see themselves as competitors, not collaborators. The fight for visibility and funding has created mistrust and weakened collective impact.
Another reason is weak institutional support. Youth-led initiatives often lack backing from government or the private sector, leaving them vulnerable and short-lived. Donor-driven projects are rarely sustained once funding dries up.
Capacity gaps also play a role. While passion abounds, many youth advocates lack training in policy analysis, climate finance, or negotiation – skills needed to influence high-level decisions. Without technical credibility, youth contributions are easily sidelined.
Why Now Is Urgent
Nigeria does not have the luxury of waiting. Climate impacts are accelerating: floods displace thousands annually in the South, while desertification and drought fuel food insecurity and conflict in the North. These crises are not abstract; they are daily realities for millions of Nigerians.
Global momentum also makes this the right time. With COP30 in Brazil and Nigeria’s updated climate commitments (NDCs) on the horizon, youth must organise to influence policy and secure meaningful participation. If they fail to act now, they risk being left out of decisions that will shape the next decades.
Finally, the green economy window is opening. Climate finance and sustainable investments are expanding worldwide. Without a unified youth platform, Nigerian young people will miss opportunities for green jobs, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The Way Forward
What is needed is clear: a national youth platform rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. Such a platform should not be tied to individuals or politics but to a shared vision for Nigeria’s climate-resilient future.
Collaboration must replace competition. Working groups on agriculture, energy, finance, and advocacy can allow each youth-led organisation to contribute its strengths. Institutional partnerships with ministries, universities, and private sector actors can ensure sustainability. And investments in training and storytelling will make Nigerian youth both technically credible and publicly visible.
In conclusion, this generation of Nigerian youth cannot afford to stand divided. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and it is young people who will live longest with its consequences. The moment to unite, organize, and demand a seat at the table is now. The urgency is real, the risks are high, and the future depends on it.
By Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI Africa