Unlocking Nigeria’s future demographic dividend through its youth

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its development, with its young population presenting both an immense opportunity and a significant challenge. With a median age of just 18.1 years and approximately 70% of its over 230 million people under the age of 30, Nigeria is a ‘country of the young’. This demographic profile offers the chance to harness a demographic dividend. Yet, unlocking this potential is far from guaranteed. This policy brief explores how Nigeria can transform its youth bulges into a national asset by addressing key barriers and investing in youth.