NSITF makes case for investment in youth to secure Nigeria’s future 

Nigeria’s future depends on urgent and deliberate investment in its youth population, says Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, calling on stakeholders to prioritise young people as the nation’s greatest asset.
Speaking at the Students Mentorship Summit 2026 organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja, Faleye said Nigeria must shift its focus from natural resources and capital to human potential if it hopes to achieve sustainable development.
“In Nigeria, our greatest asset is neither oil, nor infrastructure, nor even capital — it is our people,” Faleye said. “More specifically, it is our youth, energetic, innovative, and full of potential.”
The NSITF boss stressed that while young Nigerians possess immense promise, deliberate guidance and structured support systems are required to unlock that potential for national growth.
“Potential alone is not enough; we must guide, support and protect it,” he said, noting that mentorship platforms like the summit are critical to shaping future leaders.
Faleye, who was represented by his Technical Assistant, Dr Dayo Alao, said empowering young people with the right tools, skills and vision is no longer optional but essential for national progress.
“This event reflects our shared journey to build a Nigeria where young people are not only skilled but empowered to lead, innovate and drive sustainable progress,” he added.
He challenged Nigerian youths to rethink their mindset, urging a shift from dependency to productivity and from entitlement to responsibility.
“We must inspire our youth to become job creators, not just job seekers,” Faleye said. “They should be innovators solving real-world problems, not individuals chasing certificates.”
He further encouraged young Nigerians to embrace leadership roles within their communities rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them.
Drawing a strong link between youth development and social protection, Faleye described social security as a critical pillar for national development and economic resilience.
“At NSITF, we see ourselves not just as providers of social security, but as enablers of workforce resilience and national growth,” he said.
He explained that modern social protection systems must go beyond reactive measures to proactive strategies that support entrepreneurs, protect workers and promote productivity.
“A protected workforce is a productive workforce, and that is what drives national prosperity,” Faleye stated.
The NSITF Managing Director also introduced the concept of “skybound leadership,” urging young Nigerians to adopt a systems-thinking approach to leadership and problem-solving.
“We must raise a generation of leaders who think beyond limitations, connect ideas across sectors and anticipate the future rather than react to it,” he said.
Faleye reiterated that social security is more than a safety net, describing it as a foundation for dignity, workplace safety and sustainable economic growth.
“Our mandate goes beyond compensation; it includes ensuring safe workplaces, promoting decent work standards and protecting the dignity of Nigerian workers,” he said.
He called for a multi-sectoral approach to youth development, emphasising collaboration between government, private sector and civil society.
“The future we desire for Nigeria will not happen by chance. It must be designed, built and sustained,” Faleye concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address, NANS National Publicity Secretary and summit convener, Samson Ajasa, said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and opportunities at home and abroad.
Ajasa noted that the success of the maiden edition held at Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2025 inspired the expansion of the programme.
“The 2026 summit, themed ‘Skybound Leadership,’ is a bold step forward,” he said. “It reminds us that the aspirations of Nigerian youths must not be limited by circumstances but propelled by knowledge, mentorship and innovation.”
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Social Protection Champion Award to Barrister Faleye in recognition of his leadership at NSITF.
The summit, held at Merit House, Maitama, attracted heads of government agencies, industry leaders and key stakeholders committed to youth development.