The burgeoning youth population in Nigeria is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, young people representing over half of the nation’s inhabitants and growing at an annual rate of 3.2% present hold the potential for the country’s development prospects. They are the backbone of economic growth, innovation, and social progress, offering a substantial workforce that can drive economic growth and contribute significantly to the nation’s social progress. However, on the other hand, this demographic reality also presents a set of challenges, particularly in juvenile justice. While most young Nigerians are law-abiding citizens, a noteworthy proportion are involved in criminal activities.
This edition of the Policy Weekly highlights the complexities of the juvenile justice system in Nigeria, aiming to assess its effectiveness, identify challenges, and propose measures for improvement to better address the needs and rights of these young individuals.
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