ABUJA, Nigeria — Government agencies, policymakers, civil society organisations, and young Nigerians seeking to contribute to national development are at the centre of a growing call for generational renewal in Nigeria’s public service, with experts arguing that the country’s aging institutions are increasingly disconnected from the realities of a youthful population.
The call for younger talent in public service has intensified in recent years, as Nigeria’s median age of 18 years contrasts sharply with the aging demographic of its civil service. Many senior bureaucrats are nearing retirement, creating a looming gap that requires urgent attention across all tiers of government, from federal ministries to local government councils.
Nigeria’s public institutions face complex challenges, including corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of innovation. Young talent can help address these issues by introducing new technologies, improving transparency, and connecting government with the youth population they serve. Without this infusion, experts warn that institutions risk becoming irrelevant.
However, many young Nigerians view public service as unattractive due to low salaries, lack of career progression, and bureaucratic resistance to change. Recruitment processes are often opaque, discouraging qualified applicants from considering government careers, and the absence of clear career pathways has further compounded the problem.
All Nigerians are affected by the quality of public institutions. Inefficient government services slow economic growth, limit access to essential services, and erode public trust. Young people are particularly affected, as they face the consequences of institutional failure while being excluded from decision-making processes.
Experts recommend creating targeted internship programmes, reforming civil service recruitment, offering competitive salaries, and providing clear career pathways for young professionals. Mentorship schemes and leadership development programmes can also help retain young talent in the public sector, while digital transformation initiatives can make government work more appealing to tech-savvy youth.
As Nigeria prepares for a future shaped by a young and dynamic population, the need to rejuvenate its public institutions through the infusion of young talent has never been more urgent. For now, the conversation continues, with stakeholders urging government to take concrete steps to bridge the generational gap in public service.
