Reps Committee raises concerns over youth exclusion from digital economy
Reps Committee raises concerns over youth exclusion from digital economy
The House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has raised concerns over the exclusion of millions of Nigerian youths from the digital economy, pointing to their limited access to vital skills, technology, and opportunities needed in today’s world.
Speaking at a Diplomatic CSR Roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Committee’s Vice Chairman, Afolabi Afuape, urged stakeholders to work together to close the gap.
“Nigeria has a population of over 200 million, including one of the fastest-growing youth populations globally,” Afuape said. “Yet, millions of our young people remain left out of the digital economy, with restricted access to crucial skills and opportunities.
The 21st century has proven that no nation, sector, or community can prosper in isolation. Issues such as digital exclusion, poverty, climate change, and social integration demand bold, collaborative, and forward-thinking solutions.”
He added, “We are gathered here to reimagine CSR not as charity or tokenism, but as a strategic tool for national development and international partnership. Properly harnessed, CSR can bridge the digital divide, drive sustainable development in communities, and build trust between nations.”
Afuape highlighted the #CSR4DEV initiative, describing it as a national program aimed at advancing digital literacy, AI-powered skills development, financial inclusion for underserved communities, and institutional strengthening through global legislative exchange. “This roundtable is not ceremonial; it is a working dialogue where embassies, private sector leaders, international agencies, and government institutions deliberate, commit, and co-create solutions,” he said.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the initiative, emphasising the diaspora’s role in Nigeria’s development. Represented by Director Abdulrahman Terab, she said, “The Nigerian diaspora contributes significantly through remittances, investments, knowledge, and networks.
Programs such as the BRIDGE Initiative and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit utilise this expertise to enhance education and attract investments in key sectors, including real estate, agriculture, health, and fintech.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted philanthropic contributions, noting that organisations like the Nigerians in Diaspora UK Foundation and the Zumunta Foundation continue to support ICT and medical outreach initiatives in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Kwamoti Bitrus Lao’ri, called on Nigerians to back the establishment of a Nigerian Corporate Social Responsibility Fund. He said, “The #CSR4DEV initiative and the Nigeria CSR Fund represent bold commitments to leveraging corporate responsibility for sustainable development, social equity, and shared prosperity. In collaboration with the Cyber Future Academy, we aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and maximum impact.”
