Fifty representatives from government institutions, youth organisations, and civil society groups in Zamfara State have commenced a structured process to develop a state youth policy framework aligned with national youth development priorities.
This was done, following a State-Level Policy Dialogue held on 23rd April 2026.
The engagement was convened under the Youth Leading Change Program (YLCP), implemented by Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI) with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), in collaboration with the Zamfara State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
The dialogue brought together representatives from government institutions, youth-led organisations, civil society, and persons with disabilities to review the current youth development coordination landscape and agree on foundational steps for initiating a formal state youth policy development process.
Findings from preceding advocacy engagements held on 15th and 19th April 2026 showed that youth development in Zamfara State is currently guided by existing sectoral instruments, including the Adolescent and Youth Development Policy developed with support from UNFPA, as well as relevant provisions within broader state development planning frameworks.
While these instruments are implemented across different institutions, stakeholders identified coordination gaps and entry points for developing a more unified and structured policy framework.
The dialogue, held in collaboration with the Ministry, provided a platform for stakeholders to identify priority youth development challenges and agree on a pathway toward a consolidated framework that reflects state realities while aligning with national youth development priorities.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Tasi’u Musa Shinkafi, participated in the session alongside senior government officials and youth sector actors, reaffirming institutional readiness to support a structured policy development process.
Speaking during the engagement, the Commissioner stated: “Young people should not only be beneficiaries of development initiatives but active agents of change in shaping their communities. We are here for the youth, and these opportunities are fully open and accessible to them.
The Zamfara State Government stands as a committed partner in advancing youth development.” Discussions further highlighted the need for a unified framework to strengthen coordination, improve planning processes, and support consistent implementation of youth development interventions across sectors.
Participants also examined issues relating to participation, access to opportunities, and inclusive development, with particular attention to ensuring the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in the emerging policy process.
The dialogue acknowledged the contributions of members of the Northwest Youth Development Consortium (NYDC) in Zamfara State, including Rescue Future Generation Charity Initiative, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Zamfara State Chapter, and Zamfara Youth Lead. Their engagement reinforced the importance of an inclusive and participatory approach to policy development.
Also speaking at the event, Fatima Musa Aliyu, Chief Operating Officer of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, noted that the engagement contributes to a broader regional effort under the Youth Leading Change Program.
“This State Dialogue forms part of a broader regional strategy. The insights generated here will inform regional outcomes on youth development across Northwest Nigeria,” she said.
Zakariyya Haruna Liman, Executive Director of Rescue Future Generation Charity Initiative, emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into action.
“A policy only becomes meaningful when it moves beyond paper and begins to shape real lives. This is our chance to turn intention into impact for the youth of Zamfara State,” he said.
