Addressing the Rising Youth Unemployment Rate in Nigeria

By

Johnson Olajumoke, H22/MC/0074

Department of Mass Communication.

The Polythenic Ile-Ife, Osun State

Nigeria, a nation with a population of 211.4 million, grappled with a significant challenge – the alarming surge in youth unemployment. The working-age population, constituting 53.9% of the total, encompasses both the labor force and those not actively seeking employment. However, the current unemployment rate stands at a staggering 33.3%, underscoring a critical issue where one in every three Nigerians is unemployed.

This is notably higher than the globally acceptable unemployment rate, which typically ranges from 4% to 6%. The severity of Nigeria’s unemployment situation is apparent, demanding urgent attention and comprehensive solutions.

The African Union defines youth as individuals aged between 15-35. In Nigeria, the youth unemployment rate has witnessed a distressing upward trajectory over the years.

Specifically, the unemployment rate for those aged 15-24 surged from 21.5% in 2016 to an alarming 53.4% in 2020. Similarly, the rate for individuals aged 25-34 increased from 12.9% in 2016 to 37.2% in 2020. This doubling of unemployment rates within these age groups over just five years raises a critical question: What factors have fueled the rapid increase in youth unemployment in Nigeria? Several factors contribute to this concerning trend.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated economic conditions in Nigeria, leading to business closures and widespread job losses. The country’s overdependence on crude oil, which constitutes 87% of its export earnings, further complicates the situation. The highly specialized skill sets required for the oil sector limit opportunities for youth
employment. In contrast, agriculture, a significant job provider, receives insufficient government investment despite its potential to employ a large portion of the population.

The rise in the Nigerian population, particularly the youth population, has created an imbalance between job demand and supply. The number of jobs available fails to meet the growing demand, a situation exacerbated by a lack of digital and entrepreneurial skills among graduates due to shortcomings in the formal education system.

Data from the 2015 National Bureau of Statistics Job Creation Report highlights the stark gap between job availability and labor population growth, emphasizing the inadequacy of job creation to meet the demands of a burgeoning youth population. The improvement of employability involves restructuring formal education curricula to include relevant topics such as digital skills and financial literacy.

Additionally, enhancing technical and vocational skills ensures youth are equipped for available jobs. Employment creation, vital in both the public and private sectors, calls for evaluating value chains and national operations to identify opportunities.

Equal opportunity across regions is crucial, addressing past criticisms of urban-focused policies. Corruption within systems must be rectified for fair opportunities. Multi-sector collaboration involving the government, private sector, and international donor organizations is essential for swift results. Funding provision, capacity building, and infrastructure improvement require joint efforts.

To further enhance the understanding of the complex issue of youth unemployment, it is crucial to integrate additional perspectives from key stakeholders. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha’s emphasis on combating unemployment, as highlighted at the Lagos International Trade Fair, underscores the gravity of the situation. The Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing this issue provides a governmental perspective that should be considered in any comprehensive strategy.

Moreover, Hamzat Lawal, CEO of Connected Development, commended the new youth minister, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, for her commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lawal’s call for prioritizing initiatives that promote youth employment, including partnerships with the private sector, mentorship programs, and access to capital, provides valuable insights.
In light of these perspectives, it becomes evident that a comprehensive strategy should encompass not only government-led initiatives but also collaboration with civil society organizations, private companies, and NGOs. The integration of SDGs, particularly in promoting quality education and skill development, aligns with the call to improve the country’s education system to meet job market demands.

To ensure a holistic approach, the youth minister should work closely with counterparts in labor, employment, and education ministries. Partnerships with the
private sector should be strengthened to create more job opportunities and support.

The improvement of employability involves restructuring formal education curricula to include relevant topics such as digital skills and financial literacy.

Additionally, enhancing technical and vocational skills ensures youth are equipped for available jobs. Employment creation, vital in both the public and private sectors, calls for evaluating value chains and national operations to identify opportunities. Equal opportunity across regions is crucial, addressing past criticisms of urban-focused policies. Corruption within systems must be rectified for fair opportunities. Multi-sector collaboration involving the government, private sector, and international donor organizations is essential for swift results. Funding provision, capacity building, and infrastructure improvement require joint efforts.

To further enhance the understanding of the complex issue of youth unemployment, it is crucial to integrate additional perspectives from key stakeholders. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha’s emphasis on combating unemployment, as highlighted at the Lagos International Trade Fair, underscores the gravity of the situation. The Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing this issue provides a governmental perspective that should be considered in any comprehensive strategy.

Moreover, Hamzat Lawal, CEO of Connected Development, commended the new youth minister, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, for her commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lawal’s call for prioritizing initiatives that promote youth employment, including partnerships with the private sector, mentorship programs, and access to capital, provides valuable insights.

In light of these perspectives, it becomes evident that a comprehensive strategy should encompass not only government-led initiatives but also collaboration with civil society organizations, private companies, and NGOs. The integration of SDGs, particularly in promoting quality education and skill development, aligns with the call to improve the country’s education system to meet job market demands. To ensure a holistic approach, the youth minister should work closely with counterparts in labor, employment, and education ministries. Partnerships with the private sector should be strengthened to create more job opportunities and support entrepreneurship programs.

These efforts, combined with Hamzat Lawal ’s recommendations, can contribute significantly to addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria.
In conclusion, addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria is a multifaceted challenge demanding collaborative and sustained efforts.

The youth, a vital segment of the
population, holds the key to increased productivity and economic growth. With comprehensive interventions and collaborative actions, Nigeria can break the cycle of rising unemployment and create a more promising future for its youth. It is imperative that the government, private sector, and international partners work together diligently to implement effective and sustainable solutions.

This multi-pronged approach is
essential to transform the employment landscape, ensuring that the youth not only find jobs but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. The challenges are substantial, but with focused and concerted efforts, Nigeria can overcome its youth unemployment crisis and foster a brighter tomorrow for the nation.