Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development has launched a Youth Help Desk to combat corruption and provide support to young Nigerians. The announcement was made by Minister Ayodele Olawande on International Anti-Corruption Day, during an event themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” .
The Youth Help Desk aims to create a platform for young people to report corruption cases, seek justice, and access necessary help. This initiative is part of the ministry’s goal to “create a system that protects, supports, and empowers every young Nigerian” .
Minister Olawande emphasized the challenges faced by young people in Nigeria, including systemic delays in accessing justice and the growing involvement of youth in criminal activities. He attributed these issues to economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and weak institutional structures.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Youth Development has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and corruption. The partnership aims to create safe spaces and empower young people with the knowledge to protect themselves ².
According to Cheikh Toure, Country Director of the UNODC, Nigeria has made progress in its efforts against corruption, with 70% of Nigerians, including youth, refusing to pay bribes on at least one occasion. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the fight against corruption through effective preventive strategies and unwavering commitment.
