Youth Confab 2026 to begin in October — Minister

360 delegates to emerge through online process

The federal government has announced plans to hold the National Youth Confab 2026 in October, with 360 young Nigerians expected to participate physically in Abuja after emerging through an online selection process.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a press conference to announce the conference, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future.”

Olawande said the two-week conference would provide young Nigerians with an opportunity to contribute to policy discussions and develop practical solutions to challenges affecting the country.

He said the government would not allow politicians to influence the selection of delegates, adding that participation would be driven by an open online registration process.

According to the minister, the first week of the confab would consist of a nationwide virtual consultation involving Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35.

He said an online portal would also be used to receive memoranda, ideas and policy proposals from young Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora.

The second week would feature a physical conference in Abuja involving one youth delegate from each of the 360 federal constituencies, six representatives of Nigerians in the diaspora, as well as relevant stakeholders and observers.

“Our objective is to convene a Confab that genuinely reflects the diversity, talent, experiences and aspirations of Nigerian youth,” Olawande said.