Digital Transformation and Climate Diplomacy: Bridging Nigeria's Green-Digital Governance through Youth Participation

Abstract

Digital transformation and environmental sustainability have emerged as global policy concerns; nevertheless, in numerous developing nations, these agendas remain institutionally disjointed. In Nigeria, this dichotomy is particularly evident: digital economy reforms are progressing under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030, while climate commitments are delineated through Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Nonetheless, the two realms function concurrently instead of under a cohesive governing framework. Moreover, the youth constituting over 60% of Nigeria's population, are predominantly marginalised from decision-making in both digital and climate governance. This study investigates the degree to which Nigeria's national and global policy frameworks incorporate digital transformation alongside environmental sustainability, and how youth agency might be systematically integrated within this framework. The research employs a qualitative design, utilising Document Analysis and Critical Policy Analysis on seven principal instruments, including NDEPS, Nigeria’s NDCs, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Paris Agreement. Findings indicate enduring institutional divisions between digital and climate governance, insufficient coordination among ministries, and youth participation mechanisms that are predominantly advisory rather than substantial. The study introduces a Green-Digital Governance Model (GDGM) that situates youth leadership as a connecting mechanism between the two policy areas. It advocates for the formation of a Nigerian Green-Digital Youth Governance Council, the alignment of NDEPS with climate obligations, and the integration of mandatory youth involvement frameworks within regional and global governance structures