Youth Pulse Dialogue: Nigerian Youth Priorities & Policy Engagement
On 12 August 2026, the Netherlands Embassy hosted a panel discussion at EU House, Abuja, featuring YouPaD delegates Lois Felix Bishio and Sophie Chika. The event disseminated Youth Pulse Survey findings showing 73% of Nigerian youth consider migration (Japa), yet 85.5% are retainable through improved domestic opportunities. Key priority areas include migration/brain drain, youth safety, food insecurity, employment barriers, and the consultation-to-implementation gap in governance.
Youth Pulse Dialogue: Nigerian Youth at the Heart of National Development
Panel Discussion: “From Evidence to Impact: Advancing Youth Priorities through Policy and Development Partnerships”
1. Introduction & Context
On 12 August 2026, delegates representing Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD)—Lois Felix Bishio and Sophie Chika—attended the Youth Pulse Dialogue: Nigerian Youth at the Heart of National Development hosted at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands inside the European Union Complex (EU House) in Abuja.
In addition to official delegation attendance, Lois Felix Bishio served as an invited panellist in the high-level discussion titled “From Evidence to Impact: Advancing Youth Priorities through Policy and Development Partnerships.”
The Dialogue brought together key decision-makers across government bodies, diplomatic missions, development agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), youth networks, and young policy practitioners. The event was centered on unpacking the empirical findings of the Youth Pulse Survey conducted by the Netherlands Embassy Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), aiming to convert raw survey data into actionable policy, structured partnerships, and sustainable programmes.
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
- H.E. Bengt van Loosdrecht: Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria
- Dr. Abiodun Essiet: SSA to President (Community Engagement, North Central)
- Federal Ministry of Youth Development: Official Representatives
- YAC Representatives & YouPaD: Lois Felix Bishio & Sophie Chika
2. Dialogue Objectives
Designed to provide an evidence-based platform for discussing youth realities and mobilizing actors capable of influencing policy outcomes:
- Dissemination: Share survey findings with policymakers, donors, and youth actors.
- Deep Understanding: Analyze systemic challenges facing Nigerian youth through empirical data and lived experience.
- Solution Framing: Identify priority youth challenges and co-create practical, actionable interventions.
- Multi-Stakeholder Coordination: Align government, diplomatic, donor, and CSO agendas toward youth responsiveness.