Muhammad Bello Bala Shagari elected Chair of Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organisation for 2026–2029 term
ABUJA — Nigeria’s Muhammad Bello Bala Shagari has been elected Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organisation (NAMYO) for the 2026–2029 term, emerging from a competitive election involving candidates from five member countries.
Shagari, who previously served as Vice Chairperson for the African Region and as Nigeria’s National Chapter Representative in NAMYO, emerged from the election held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Reports from the election indicate that representatives from 65 countries participated in the voting process, with the contest involving candidates from Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan and Qatar. The Nigerian candidate emerged after a four-round voting process.
The development marks a new international leadership responsibility for Shagari, who has been involved in youth advocacy, diplomacy and international cooperation at both national and international levels.
Before his election as Chairperson, Shagari served as NAMYO Vice Chairperson for the African Region and represented Nigeria as its National Chapter Representative.
His candidacy had earlier received the backing of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
In August, the ministry described Shagari as a youth leader with experience in youth development, public service and international diplomacy, while highlighting his involvement in youth participation, international cooperation and engagement among young people.
Shagari previously served as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), a position he held from 2018 to 2020.
His involvement in youth affairs has also included international youth diplomacy and initiatives focused on civic engagement, leadership and development.
According to reports following his election, the new NAMYO chairperson studied Business Information Systems and Information Technology at Middlesex University in London and has also worked as a documentary filmmaker.
The Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organisation is the youth structure associated with the wider Non-Aligned Movement and was established following a recommendation of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The organisation brings together youth representatives from NAM member countries and focuses on areas including youth cooperation, leadership, peacebuilding, sustainable development and international solidarity.
Nigeria had earlier presented Shagari’s candidacy as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s participation in international youth diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development had said his previous experience within NAMYO and his work in youth development positioned him for greater responsibility within the organisation.
Following the election, NAMYO congratulated Shagari and wished him success in his new position. The organisation also thanked the national chapter representatives who participated in the voting and commended all the candidates who contested the chairmanship.
Shagari’s election places a Nigerian youth representative at the head of NAMYO for the next three-year term, with responsibilities relating to the organisation’s youth programmes, international engagement and coordination among its member chapters.
IBN News reports that Shagari’s election follows his previous service as NAMYO Vice Chairperson for Africa and Nigeria’s National Chapter Representative. He will serve as Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organisation from 2026 to 2029.
