Claim: Nigeria is predicted to become one of the largest countries in the world.

Youth in Nigeria includes citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria aged 18 -- 35 years . Variance in chronologies are used in defining youth and are addressed by members of the state in accordance to their particular society . Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with one of the largest populations of youth in the world , comprising 33,652,424 members . Excessive mortality from HIV/AIDS results in low life expectancy in Nigeria . As a result , the median age is 17.9 .   Chief Olusegun Obasanjo , formerly the President of Nigeria from 1999 until 2007 , believes that identifying and addressing issues that would enhance the lives of the youth would improve overall national development . He has stated that , `` Youth constitute Nigeria 's only hope for a real future '' . The Nigerian government characterizes youth as ambitious , enthusiastic , energetic and promising . They are considered vulnerable in society because of the rapid pace of change they experience at this time in their lives . A National Youth Development Policy was created and designed to advocate for youth and youth development . The policy views youth welfare as vital to the Nigerian nation and its socioeconomic development . This policy is seen as a youth participation project , versus a project identifying problems and needs .