Reps C’ttee laments youth’s exclusion from digital economy
The House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has expressed concern over the exclusion of millions of Nigerian youths from the digital economy, citing limited access to skills, technology, and opportunities essential in the modern world.
Speaking at a Diplomatic CSR Roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Committee’s Vice Chairman, Afolabi Afuape, called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to bridge the gap.
“Nigeria has over 200 million people, with one of the fastest-growing youth populations globally,” Afuape said. “Yet, millions of our young people remain excluded from the digital economy, with limited access to essential skills and opportunities.
The 21st century has shown that no nation, sector, or community can thrive in isolation. Challenges such as digital exclusion, poverty, climate change, and social integration require bold, collaborative, and forward-looking solutions.”
He added, “We are gathered here to reimagine CSR not as charity or tokenism, but as a strategic tool for national development and international partnership. Properly harnessed, CSR can bridge the digital divide, drive sustainable development in communities, and build trust between nations.”
Afuape highlighted the #CSR4DEV initiative, describing it as a national program aimed at advancing digital literacy, AI-powered skills development, financial inclusion for underserved communities, and institutional strengthening through global legislative exchange. “This roundtable is not ceremonial; it is a working dialogue where embassies, private sector leaders, international agencies, and government institutions deliberate, commit, and co-create solutions,” he said.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the initiative, emphasising the diaspora’s role in Nigeria’s development. Represented by Director Abdulrahman Terab, she said, “The Nigerian diaspora contributes significantly through remittances, investments, knowledge, and networks.
Programs like the BRIDGE Initiative and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit leverage this expertise to strengthen education and attract investments in sectors such as real estate, agriculture, health, and fintech.”
Dabiri-Erewa further highlighted philanthropic efforts, noting that organisations such as the Nigerians in Diaspora UK Foundation and the Zumunta Foundation continue to support ICT and medical outreach programmes in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, House Committee on Public Petitions Chairman, Kwamoti Bitrus Lao’ri, urged Nigerians to support the creation of a Nigerian Corporate Social Responsibility Fund.
He stated, “The #CSR4DEV initiative and the Nigeria CSR Fund are bold commitments to harness corporate responsibility for sustainable development, social equity, and shared prosperity. In partnership with the Cyber Future Academy, we aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and maximum impact.”
