Idle Hands, Rising Threats

Youth unemployment in Nigeria remains a critical issue with far-reaching implications, contributing to economic stagnation and heightened insecurity and restiveness. As of 2023, over 40 per cent of Nigerian youths aged 15-34 are unemployed or partially employed. This is problematic for a country where 63 per cent of its population is below 25 years. The absence of suitable employment for this age group jeopardizes the stability of the communities by weakening the social order and facilitating criminality as well as militancy and radicalization.

Various factors facilitate this high incidence of unemployment, such as the disconnect between the education and training systems and the demands of employers and the economy. According to research by Muo, many Nigerian graduates are unemployed because their skill sets are irrelevant to industry needs, especially in rapidly expanding sectors such as technology. Furthermore, a mismatch between university outputs and industry needs makes it difficult to fill open positions; there is a worrisome propensity to ‘import’ expertise, even at entry levels.

Insecurity over the years has taken centre stage in Nigeria, and youth unemployment is one of the drivers of insecurity in Nigeria. When Youth face long-term joblessness, they become more susceptible to engaging in criminal activities or joining insurgent and militant groups. In northern Nigeria, groups such as Boko Haram have exploited youth unemployment to recruit foot soldiers, offering financial incentives and a sense of belonging to disillusioned Youth. Similarly, in the Niger Delta, unemployed Youth have taken up arms, participating in oil theft and pipeline vandalism to express grievances over lack of opportunities and government neglect.

Also, youth restiveness, often manifested through violent protests, vandalism, and armed robbery, is directly linked to unemployment. An ISS report highlights that lack of economic opportunities and the absence of sustainable livelihoods push young Nigerians toward criminality. A lack of meaningful engagement frustrates young people, leading them to vent their anger at the state or private institutions, as evidenced in the vandalism during the #EndBadGovernance Protests. Youth restiveness can also be driven by perceived injustice, poverty, and broken social norms. In parts of Northern Nigeria, unemployed Youth have been drawn into banditry, engaging in kidnappings and other violent crimes. The lure of quick financial rewards and the absence of job opportunities have made this illegal trade a lifeline for many young people.

The psychological and social effects of youth unemployment cannot be ignored. Prolonged joblessness leads to low self-esteem, frustration, and disillusionment, especially in a society where social status is often tied to employment. Research from the University of Ilorin identified unemployment and its link to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse among Youth (Abonyi et al.). Youth who face unemployment and an inability to meet basic needs are also more likely to become disconnected from political processes, losing faith in democratic institutions and governance. This often leads to radicalization and political violence, as unemployed Youth could be swayed by extremist ideologies or manipulated by political actors seeking to exploit their grievances.

The Nigerian government has launched various initiatives to combat youth unemployment, including the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the N-Power program, which offer vocational training and temporary work placements. However, these measures have fallen short of tackling the scope of the problem. Corruption, incompetence, and a lack of political will have hampered the success of these initiatives. For instance, a one-year investigation into the N-Power Scheme revealed that bribery and massive fraud were sabotaging the scheme. While the government continues implementing job creation initiatives, unemployment considerably outweighs the opportunities available. The private sector has also been unable to absorb young people owing to a poor business climate and a lack of incentives to generate sustainable jobs. Also, security strategies overshadow economic factors. Current security responses often focus on military solutions to address insurgencies, banditry, and criminality rather than tackling the root economic causes, such as unemployment. There is a need to strengthen efforts at integrating job creation into counterterrorism strategies.

Addressing youth unemployment could begin by developing comprehensive job creation plans. For instance, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, in partnership with local and international tech companies, could launch specialized digital training centres across states, focusing on coding, cybersecurity, and digital marketing skills that align with global job market demands. Similarly, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with microfinance banks, could create a youth enterprise fund that offers low-interest loans and financial literacy programs to young entrepreneurs, empowering them to start and scale agribusinesses, renewable energy projects, and other sustainable ventures that can create local employment opportunities.

The Nigerian government must also emphasize fostering an atmosphere that encourages corporate growth and creates employment. This involves strengthening infrastructure, curbing corruption, and promoting the business sector to employ more young people. It is also critical to encourage young entrepreneurship by providing funding, mentorship, and training opportunities. Initiatives to help digital start-ups and other small enterprises have shown promise in lowering young unemployment in nations facing comparable difficulties.

Insecurity, mainly owing to youth unemployment, transcends borders. The Nigerian government should work with surrounding nations to address the cross-border consequences of unemployment and youth restiveness, especially in the battle against insurgent organizations. Public-private collaborations are vital for developing long-term job possibilities. Private sector investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can help absorb a significant portion of the unemployed Youth.

Youth unemployment in Nigeria has social, economic, and security dimensions that demand urgent attention. The link between unemployment, youth restiveness, and insecurity is clear: when young people are deprived of opportunities, they are more likely to turn to crime, violence, or insurgency. There is a need to address not only the lack of jobs but also the underlying factors such as educational reform and private sector engagement.