EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu’s 30-Day Youth Confab Still in Limbo Three Months Later
By Abdulmajeed Abdullateef for NIGPOST
The lingering echoes of the #EndBadGovernance protests, which rocked Nigeria between August 1-10, 2024, continue to reverberate as Nigerians question the Federal Government’s silence on the promised 30-day National Youth Conference. This confab, announced by President Bola Tinubu during his October 1 Independence Day broadcast, was intended to address the demands of the youth. However, three months later, it remains a distant promise, sparking reactions from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and concerned citizens across the nation.
A Broken Promise?
Chief Patrick Eholor, founder of One Love Foundation, described the unfulfilled promise as a glaring neglect of youth concerns. “This was a critical opportunity to hear directly from the youth bearing the brunt of systemic failures like unemployment and lack of basic amenities,” Eholor stated. “Instead of tangible action, what we see is silence—an outright betrayal of their hopes for a better Nigeria.”
Eholor further emphasized the need for meaningful engagement rather than mere rhetoric. According to him, the youth have consistently championed accountability and good governance, and their voices deserve to be amplified, not ignored.
Skepticism from the Start
Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights Nigeria, expressed doubts about the sincerity of the October 1 pledge. “At the time, we viewed the promise as a strategic move to calm tensions rather than a genuine effort to engage the youth,” she said.
Baiyewu highlighted that Nigeria’s history with similar conferences often leads to disillusionment. “These forums rarely translate into meaningful change. The focus should instead be on creating sustainable avenues for youth participation in governance and addressing systemic issues like police brutality, unemployment, and inflation,” she added.
Civil Society Voices: A Call for Urgency
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also weighed in, with Executive Secretary Auwal Rafsanjani criticizing the government’s lack of urgency. “The youth represent the most agile and innovative segment of the population, yet they remain underrepresented and marginalized,” Rafsanjani lamented.
He further noted that the delay has shifted initial excitement to widespread disappointment. While recent reports suggest plans for the conference in February 2025, youth groups remain skeptical, interpreting this as another attempt to delay addressing their concerns.
A Path Forward?
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, urged the government to prioritize the youth conference while ensuring it is inclusive and actionable. “Nigerian youths deserve more than empty promises. They need deliberate and impactful engagement to transform their realities,” Mamedu said.
ActionAid recommends that the conference include diverse representatives, produce actionable outcomes, and focus on addressing unemployment, education, and youth participation in governance.
The Larger Picture
The delay in convening the promised youth confab reflects broader concerns about the government’s approach to governance and reform. As CSOs and citizens alike continue to demand action, it remains to be seen whether the administration will rise to the occasion or allow the promise to fade into obscurity.
For the youth, the message is clear: more than ever, they are ready to hold leaders accountable and push for a Nigeria that truly represents their aspirations.
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