The Federal Government has issued a crucial call to young Nigerians, urging them to embrace healthy living and reject all forms of substance abuse and poor lifestyle choices. Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasised that a healthy, energetic youth population is absolutely vital for boosting national productivity and achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.
Speaking to students at the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Dr Salako stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu fully recognises the enormous potential of young people. According to statistics from the UNFPA, over 60% of Nigeria’s estimated population of 223 million are under the age of 25. The Minister described this massive youth demographic as an opportunity for “explosive economic growth” through a vibrant, innovative, and productive workforce. However, he warned that if this population is neglected or not fully engaged, it could turn into a “lethal, and indeed a ticking time bomb.”
The Minister did not mince words when highlighting the financial importance of the youth. He disclosed that youth-led Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) contribute approximately 15–25% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with youth enterprises making up 35–40% of all Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“By guaranteeing and prioritising the health and safety of the youths who are contributing this significant amount to the national wealth, Nigeria will be invariably ensuring the prosperity of the nation and that of the unborn generation,” Dr Salako said.
He then presented a striking economic angle to the health crisis. The Minister referenced a World Bank estimate from 2023 which suggested that poor health among young people reduces Nigeria’s GDP growth by up to 2.5% annually. This staggering loss is attributed to factors like lost productivity, increased national healthcare costs, and lower educational attainment. The cost of dealing with substance abuse, including healthcare, law enforcement, and lost productivity, represents a huge economic drain that the country can ill afford. Research corroborates this, indicating that drug abuse severely and negatively affects the productivity of young people, limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to the labour market and economic performance.
In response to this challenge, Dr Salako outlined several government interventions aimed at supporting youth health. These include an aggressive effort to expand and strengthen the Primary Health Care system nationwide to improve access to basic services for young people.
Crucially, the government is tackling mental health through a new substance abuse programme, launched in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and civil society. This initiative includes a “Mental Health in Schools Initiative,” which trains teachers and peer educators to identify and support students facing mental health issues. These steps are designed to destigmatise treatment and ensure a stable, productive youth population.
Furthermore, the Minister mentioned a National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Youth Enrollment Drive, which waives premiums for citizens under 18 and heavily subsidises coverage for those aged 18 to 25. He also referenced the NELFUND student loan programme, which has already disbursed N116.4 billion to more than 624,000 students, ensuring financial barriers do not block access to tertiary education.
However, the Minister insisted that young people must meet the government halfway by taking personal responsibility.
“While the government is creating the ladder, you must have the courage to climb it,” he asserted. “The youth must take personal responsibility for their health by making informed choices about your lifestyle, the food you eat, what you drink, and your health-seeking behaviours.”
He urged them to adopt healthy lifestyles, pay attention to diet and physical activity, and completely avoid tobacco and drug misuse, including heavy alcohol consumption. For the female students, he gave an explicit warning to “be especially watchful and alert” against being drugged on dates.
Dr Abiodun Oluseye, the Rector of the polytechnic, supported the Minister’s message, describing youth as the “driving force of every progressive and innovative society.” He stressed that successful nations are those that invest in the health, capacity building, and creativity of their young people. The message is clear: the path to Nigeria’s prosperity runs directly through the health and responsible choices of its youth.
