By Olakunle Agboola
A Flawed Understanding of Empowerment
For decades, the term “empowerment” in Nigeria has been reduced to the distribution of food items, particularly rice, by politicians seeking favor with the masses. Time and again, political leaders have leveraged the promise of empowerment as a tool for electioneering, only to abandon these pledges once they assume office. This distortion of what true empowerment means has had dire consequences for the country’s socio-economic landscape, stifling the potential of its youth and preventing key sectors from thriving.
In developed nations, empowerment is understood as the strategic investment in human capital to drive national growth. Historical examples from the United States and China illustrate this principle. The American government once sent young citizens to Germany to master automobile manufacturing, leading to the boom of its auto industry. Similarly, China adopted a long-term vision by sending young talents to the U.S. to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), a move that contributed significantly to its economic dominance today. According to a World Bank report, countries that invest at least 5% of their GDP in education and skill development see long-term economic growth and reduced unemployment rates.
Nigeria, on the other hand, has taken a vastly different approach. Instead of equipping its youth with critical skills and resources, political leaders have weaponized poverty, reducing empowerment to sporadic cash handouts or seasonal food distribution. The sight of young Nigerians celebrating a meager ₦5,000 handout from politicians speaks volumes about the depths of economic desperation. The reality is that true empowerment goes beyond temporary relief; it involves structured investments in education, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities.
A recent example of this political tokenism is the distribution of rice by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to northern communities during Ramadan. While framed as an act of generosity, it underscores how politicians and their affiliates exploit every opportunity to campaign rather than implement lasting empowerment programs. Instead of investing in education, vocational training, or business development for the youth, resources are funneled into food incentives that do nothing to break the cycle of poverty. This practice has become a hallmark of Nigerian politics, where handouts replace long-term solutions.
Missed Opportunities in Key Sectors
Several industries in Nigeria hold the potential for national economic transformation if properly harnessed. Alaba and Aba markets, both hubs of commerce and indigenous manufacturing, are prime examples. These markets are closely linked to technology and innovation, yet the government has failed to recognize their potential by providing access to soft loans, infrastructure, and training programs. If properly supported, these industries could reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign goods while fostering a culture of local production. Data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that MSMEs contribute over 50% to Nigeria’s GDP, yet they receive less than 1% of government-backed financial support.
Similarly, Nollywood—one of Africa’s biggest film industries—has the potential to generate massive economic value, yet it operates in a harsh business environment with little government intervention. The industry contributes approximately $7.2 billion to Nigeria’s economy annually but lacks structured policies to sustain growth. With strategic funding, tax incentives, and policies that protect intellectual property, Nollywood could further expand its global reach, creating jobs and boosting Nigeria’s cultural economy.
The absence of structured empowerment programs in sports is another example of Nigeria’s failure to invest in its youth. While football remains the country’s dominant sport, other areas such as basketball, athletics, and creative sports remain grossly underfunded. Unlike countries that scout and develop young athletes from primary school to university, Nigeria lacks a system that nurtures sporting talent, leading to the underutilization of its vast potential. According to FIFA, African countries with structured sports development programs, such as Senegal, have increased their global representation in professional football by over 200% in the past decade.
NYSC: A Failing Institution?
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), originally conceived as a bridge for national unity and skill development, has now become a system that exploits young graduates rather than preparing them for the workforce. Many private organizations see corps members as a source of cheap labor, offering them paltry stipends while subjecting them to emotional and psychological stress. Rather than being a platform for innovation and industry integration, NYSC has become an outdated model that fails to contribute meaningfully to national development. A survey by SBM Intelligence found that 78% of NYSC participants felt the program did not prepare them for the job market. Calls for an overhaul—or even complete scrapping—of the scheme are growing louder, as many argue that the current structure does not serve the interests of Nigerian youth.
The Struggles of a Corps Member in Lagos
Amidst these systemic failures, a young NYSC corps member serving in Lagos, identified as Raye, recently voiced her frustrations over the economic realities of surviving on the meager ₦33,000 stipend. She lamented how the high cost of living in Lagos makes it nearly impossible to cover basic expenses such as transportation, feeding, and rent. “Lagos is too expensive for this stipend. I have to rely on my parents for extra support, yet I’m supposed to be an independent graduate,” she stated.
Beyond financial struggles, she expressed her disappointment in the current administration, labeling President Tinubu as a “terrible leader” who has failed to address the plight of Nigerian youths. Her frustration mirrors that of thousands of young graduates who enter the NYSC program only to face economic hardships rather than opportunities for growth. Her story reflects the wider discontent among Nigerian youths, who see little hope for meaningful change under the current system.
A New Vision for Youth Empowerment
Nigeria must undergo a fundamental shift in how it approaches youth empowerment. A country’s greatest asset is its human capital, and nations like Singapore have demonstrated that investing in people yields far greater returns than relying solely on natural resources, which they do not have compared to Nigeria. Despite Nigeria’s vast oil wealth, it lags behind resource-scarce nations such as Saudi Arabia and Singapore due to the absence of visionary leadership.
The solution lies in creating policies that prioritize innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition over temporary handouts. Government-backed funding schemes for startups, educational reforms that integrate real-world industry training, and strategic collaborations with global institutions can set the stage for genuine youth empowerment. Rwanda’s “ICT Hub” initiative, which trains thousands of young people in digital skills, has seen an influx of tech investments, creating jobs and positioning the country as Africa’s emerging tech capital.
Instead of using empowerment as a political gimmick, Nigeria must adopt a model that ensures young people are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economy. The government must implement structured vocational training programs, provide access to affordable business loans, and create a business-friendly environment that nurtures young entrepreneurs. Additionally, educational institutions must collaborate with industries to ensure graduates acquire practical skills relevant to the evolving job market.
As the world advances rapidly in science, technology, and creative industries, Nigeria cannot afford to remain stagnant. The youth, who represent the country’s greatest potential, must be provided with the tools to innovate and lead. If true empowerment is to be achieved, the country must abandon its flawed system of food aid and political tokenism and instead build a future where young Nigerians can thrive and drive national progress.
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