The voice of the Nigerian youth can be a powerful force to influence policy change. Our vibrancy in culture, our online activism and support for what we want and our entrepreneurial spirit are all testament to the force we can be as Nigerian youth – we are highly opinionated and very vocal about all policies, this shows that we are deeply invested in matters that concerns the future of our nation. Yet, the story ends in total expression of frustration – complaint about flawed policies, non-responsive governments and system that have never worked for Nigerians. However, if only our collective energy can be directed beyond complaining, protest and online ranting into actual and tangible actions to influence policies capable of shaping out life and future. The time to go beyond complaints to taking actions that collectively shape Nigeria’s future is now.
From Compliant to Impact: Understanding what really Matters
We are massively blessed with passion and number, however, strategy is required these raw advantage into real policy change. Appreciating the nuances of making policies in Nigeria – the roles played by the different arms of government (executive, legislator and Judiciary) and the civil society is in fact the very important step in utilizing our influence more effectively. To influence policy making, we need to go beyond the general state disappointment and hopelessness to active participants. This entails conducting an audit into the existing policies to identify areas of improvement and knowing who to influence.
The Powerful Influence of Civil Engagement: Going beyond Just Voting.
While I understand the fundamentality of voting, but our civic engagement should not just be limited to election cycles. To really have influence on policy, there must be I continues involvements at different level. Below are some of the ways Nigerian youth can use in amplifying their influence and make a real difference:
- Constant Engagement with Representatives: Do we even know who our representatives are? – from the word councilors to federal representative by sending them email, letters and even scheduling town hall meetings to discuss specific concerns can directly and indirectly influence their understanding of the immediate priorities. This collective actions form youth across the different constituencies in Nigeria can be a powerful force to influence policy and one that cannot be ignored by these representatives.
- Active Advocacy Groups: there exist different civil organizations working on specific societal issues from electoral to environmental reforms. By becoming or even forming any of these advocacy groups provides a platform for collective action, thus allowing for collecting resourcing, messaging, and collectively challenge the status quo and target specific policy change – as we know, collective actions is far more impactful than individual grievances
- Active and constructive Participating in Public Engagements: There are always public consultations from government agencies at some point when drafting new policies or amending existing ones. These consultations, stand as a crucial opportunity for the youth to share the view and voice out their opinion which can directly influence policy making. The youth need to proactively seek out these kind of avenue and ensure our perspectives are heard loud and clear.
- Strategically Taking Advantage of Digital Platforms: One of the surest platforms for raising awareness and making opinion known is the social media, but to actually use it to influence policy, we need to go beyond viral noises to using the platform in sharing well researched and documented policy briefs, targeted campaigns and mobilize for specific legislative action and influence. The focal point still is going beyond complaint to targeted actions, proactivity and effective communication to influence action.
- Support for Research and Independent Journalism: Access to independent and authentic information are essential to making informed decision and policies. Supporting credible independent media outlets as well as research organizations that provide in-depth policy analysis helps us have a better understanding of policies especially when backed with evidence-based solutions. This make youth with credible information a significant influence on policies.
From Online Outcry to Real Impact: Making Our Collective Voices Heard
Petitions outcry and hashtags online can raise awareness, however, they are only a starting point of the struggle. To really translate our massive online momentum into tangible influence on policy change, we need to:
- Peacefully Organize Demonstrations with Clear and Specific Demands: Whenever we see that protest are needed, they should be organized with specific, clear and concise demands for policy change. This provides a clear and focus massage making understanding them easier for the policymakers, as they will know the actions demanded of them. Unity is showcased in a well-organized protest and also represents a collective action by the youth.
- Engagement with the Usual Media: Traditional Media outlets like the newspapers, radio, and television are still a very still very impactful in influencing public opinion as they can still have I wider reach and audience including policymakers sharing proposed policy solution through these traditional platforms can be immeasurable.
- Building Collaboration all Stakeholders: To influence policy, we most definitely requires building partnerships and alliance all across – among community leaders, civil society organizations and progressive oriented elements with the government. Partnerships enhances our influence and amplifies a collaborative support for policy change demand.
The Future is in Our Hands: Moving beyond Complaining to Shaping Tomorrow
In Nigerian, the youth are passionate and are deeply concerned about their tomorrow. The excessive energies we pour into complaining and expression of dissatisfaction and resentment redirected and enhanced into meaningfully influencing the policies that governs us. By appreciating the processes involved in policy-making, going beyond just voting to actively engaging in civic duties, significantly and strategically using digital tools and building effective partnerships, we can significantly go above just complaining to becoming the architects of our tomorrow, a better Nigeria. The time to influence and shape the policy that determines our future is now! What are you doing about it – still complaining?
