Youths in Kaduna State have called on the government to open up the state’s contracting space to allow for greater participation of young people and their businesses.
The demand was made at the launch of the Students/Youths Community of Practice on ‘Open Contracting,’ organised by the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA).
At the forum, the young participants insisted that youth-led enterprises should be recognised as frontline suppliers in government projects.
They also requested that procurement students be absorbed into relevant agencies, while special grants and contracts be reserved for start-ups owned by young people.
The youths further demanded mentorship opportunities, capacity building, and greater inclusion in procurement oversight and budget planning.
Responding, KADPPA’s director-general, Engr. Sanusi Yero, said the state government had already reserved a share of contracts for women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
He explained that registration fees had been reduced, and a dedicated desk created to support young entrepreneurs in navigating the procurement process.
Yero urged the youths to channel their energy into monitoring government activities, warning that reforms could only be sustained if citizens continued to apply pressure.
“When officials know youths and civil society are checking, questioning, and following up, they will be duty-bound to do the right thing,” he said.
On his part, the Citizens’ Co-chair on Open Contracting, Mr. Stephen Waya, described the launch of the Community of Practice as a milestone for the state.
He said the initiative had placed Kaduna youths at the forefront of a transparency drive that could redefine the management of public contracts in Nigeria.
