The National Population Commission, NPC, has called for urgent action on the revision of the National Youth Policy, saying Nigeria’s economic growth depends on turning its youthful population into productive human capital.

The Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State, Jeremiah Nwankwegu, made the call on Thursday during a press briefing to mark the 2026 World Population Day in Abakaliki.

Nwankwegu said rapid development can only be achieved through deliberate investment in young people and sound public policies that equip them with skills, education and opportunities.

He referenced the UNFPA Global Future Survey and noted that population dynamics, including fertility, migration, urbanization and ageing must guide policy choices for inclusive and sustainable development.

“World Population Day reminds us that the future of every nation is shaped not merely by the size of its population, but by the opportunities available to its people, especially its young population,” he said.

The Commissioner commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for youth-focused programs under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including NELFUND, the 3 Million Technical Talent, 3MTT, program, and tuition-free vocational training with startup capital. He said over 150,000 youths have been enrolled across 1,600 training centers nationwide.

He also praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for prioritizing human capital development in Ebonyi.

“Under His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, hundreds of Ebonyi indigenes have benefitted from fully funded postgraduate scholarships. Over 8,000 scholars are pursuing Masters and Ph.D degrees in leading universities in the UK and Nigeria,” Nwankwegu stated.

He further noted the federal government’s commitment to reserve at least 3 cabinet positions for persons under 40, and a directive for 20% youth allocation in political appointments across MDAs.

Nwankwegu said NPC has modernized the Civic Registration and Vital Statistics system, with its National Geospatial Data Repository now capturing previously unrecorded youth demographics across Ebonyi’s 13 LGAs.

He urged eligible youths to take advantage of opportunities at state and federal levels to build capacity and contribute to national development.

He also called on government at all levels to create an enabling environment for young people to thrive, and urged the media to amplify conversations around youth development, human capital investment and evidence-based planning.

The 2026 World Population Day is themed: “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future.”

The Commissioner during the briefing, also announced the full commencement of digital birth and death registration in Ebonyi under the Electronic-Civic Registration and Vital Statistics, E-CRVS system.

World Population Day is observed globally every July 11. The Ebonyi event was a step-down of the national commemoration.