— About NYIGF
Our Story, Our Purpose, Our People.
From a single pre-forum workshop to a nationwide movement. How NYIGF became the platform young Nigerians use to shape the country’s digital future.
— About NYIGF
From a Workshop to a Movement.
The Nigeria Youth Internet Governance Forum (NYIGF) was formally established in 2019 as a youth-led initiative to facilitate a platform for increasing awareness of Internet governance issues amongst young people in Nigeria, and to bring them into relevant discussions on national, regional, and global levels.
However, the journey to this formal launch began years earlier. Between 2016 and 2018, youth-focused internet governance events in Nigeria operated as “Pre-NIGF Youth Workshops” under the umbrella of the main Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF). These workshops laid the foundational groundwork, community, and momentum that eventually birthed the independent youth forum.
Why We Started
The idea for a standalone forum was born from the recognition that Nigerian youths who make up over 60% of the country’s population were underrepresented in internet policy conversations that directly affected their digital lives.
A group of passionate young internet governance enthusiasts, civic tech activists, and partners recognized that a single-day workshop was insufficient to address the growing complexities of digital rights, data privacy, and youth participation in policy making.
Where We Are Now
Since our inaugural forum in 2019, we have grown exponentially from 54 attendees to over 1,000 registrants in 2025. We have expanded our reach across Nigeria, established partnerships with key stakeholders, and launched strategic initiatives like the Digital Campus Ambassador Programme and the Policy Research Network.
Our journey reflects the growing recognition that young people are not just consumers of technology but active stakeholders in shaping the digital future of Nigeria.
Pre-NIGF Youth Workshops
Youth sessions run under the main Nigeria IGF build the community and momentum behind NYIGF.
NYIGF Formally Established
Launched as an independent, youth-led secretariat.
2020
Inaugural Virtual Forum
54 attendees join our first standalone forum.
2025
1,000+ Participants
Grown from 54 to over 1,000 registrants nationwide.
Ongoing
New Strategic Initiatives
Digital Campus Ambassador Programme and Policy Research Network launched.
our vision
To position Nigerian youth as the driving force behind a digitally inclusive, innovative, and rights-respecting Nigeria that actively participates in shaping the global internet governance ecosystem.
our mission
To empower young Nigerians with the knowledge, skills, and platforms needed to actively participate in internet governance policy discussions at national, regional, and global levels, ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into digital policy development and implementation.
What Guides Our Work.
Inclusion
We believe that internet governance discussions should reflect the diversity of Nigerian society. We actively work to include voices from all regions, genders, backgrounds, and stakeholder groups.
Youth-Led
NYIGF is driven by young people, for young people. We ensure that youth are not just participants but also agenda setters and decision makers.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
We recognize that effective digital governance requires collaboration between government, civil society, private sector, technical community, and academia.
Transparency
We are committed to open, honest, and accountable practices in all our activities.
Impact-Driven
We focus on generating concrete outcomes: policy recommendations, capacity building, and tangible contributions to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Innovation
Participate in opportunities designed to build knowledge and encourage meaningful engagement.
The Ecosystem Behind Our Work.
NYIGF’s programmes are made possible by a wide network of institutional, technical, and financial partners.
Financial & Institutional Partners
Community & Technical Partners
Hub Partners
Interested in supporting youth participation in Internet governance?
