Social Security: NSITF worries over wasted youth potential

2026-03-30 - 07:23

*Says Nigeria’s future at risk without youth Empowerment By Victor Ahiuma-Young Abuja – Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, has sounded the alarm over what it described as “wasted youth potential” in Nigeria, warning that the nation’s future is at serious risk if young people are not adequately empowered. Speaking as a guest at the Student Mentorship Summit 2026, organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, in Abuja , NSITF’s Managing Director, Oluwaseun Faleye, emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest asset is not its oil, infrastructure, or capital—but its youths. The summit, themed “Skybound Leadership: A Multi-Sector Approach to Youth Development in Tech, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Security, and Anti-Drug/Cybercrime Advocacy,” provided a platform for discussions on bridging the gap between Nigerian youths and local and international opportunities. Represented by his Technical Assistance, Dr Dayo Alao, the Managing Director said: “In Nigeria, our greatest asset is neither oil, nor infrastructure, nor even capital, it is our people. More specifically, it is our youth—energetic, innovative, and full of potential. While talent and energy abound among young Nigerians, potential alone is not enough. We need to guide, support, and protect it.” Faleye highlighted the urgent need for a shift in mindset among young people, urging them to move from dependency to self-reliance, from consumption to production, and from seeking jobs to creating jobs. “We need to inspire them to be job creators, not just job seekers, and encourage them to be innovators solving real-world problems, not just chasing certificates,” he stressed. The Managing Director also linked youth empowerment to social security, stating that a protected workforce is a productive workforce, which in turn drives national development. He described NSITF’s role as going beyond compensation to ensuring workplace safety, promoting decent work standards, and expanding social protection to empower young Nigerians. Adding, Faleye warned : “The future we desire for Nigeria will not happen by chance. It must be designed, built, and sustained. Empowering our youth is non-negotiable for national progress.” Earlier, the National Publicity Secretary of NANS, Samson Ajasa, noted that the event builds on the success of the maiden edition held at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, and aims to equip young people with knowledge, mentorship, and practical skills to lead across sectors. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to social protection and youth empowerment, Faleye was presented with the Social Protection Champion Award by the student body. The event, held at Merit House, Maitama, was attended by heads of ministries, captains of industry, and leaders of thought, highlighting the importance of youth development as a national priority.