Youth Unemployment is still a serious problem with wide-ranging socioeconomic effects in Nigeria. The nation’s young population, consisting of individuals between the ages of 15 and 34, is a large population sector that faces severe challenges in obtaining gainful employment. This widespread problem has several underlying causes; therefore, finding comprehensive solutions is necessary to promote social stability and sustainable economic growth. The country’s primary factor that increases youth unemployment is the rapid growth of the young population.
However, Nigeria has one of the largest young populations globally, with approximately 64 million young people nationwide. This demographic expansion intensifies competition for limited job opportunities, further stressing the precarious labour market. Moreover, the mismatch between the skills possessed by the young people in the country and those demanded by the labour market further compounds the issue. Many young graduates need more employable skills relevant to contemporary industries, perpetuating a cycle of unemployment and underemployment.
Young involvement in policymaking is crucial to tackling unemployment.
Mobility across geography is another major challenge. Many young people move from rural to urban regions for better opportunities overwhelming urban resources and infrastructure. The fact that urban centres cannot sufficiently accommodate the flood of job seekers due to internal migration highlights regional differences in economic development. In addition, the exclusion of young adults from decision-making processes aggravates their circumstances. Policies and programs intended to address jobless young people in the country often need to consider the perspectives and needs of the younger generation.
This disconnect needs to improve the effectiveness of initiatives to empower young people and promote economic inclusion. Bridging this gap requires meaningful engagement of the younger generation in policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that interventions are responsive to their aspirations and realities. Young adults are also marginalised as a result of cultural beliefs and preconceptions about them. Adverse stereotypes that represent the younger generation as lazy or uninterested in their jobs sustain biased employment practices and worsen social marginalisation. It would take coordinated efforts to change these preconceptions to emphasise the potential contributions and abilities of younger people to the country’s Economy and society.
Equip the emerging workforce with fair policies for economic progress.
Targeted actions are essential to comprehensively tackling joblessness among young people in the country in response to these issues. The primary goal of initiatives should be to provide them with market-relevant skills. Young adults’ employability and entrepreneurial skills can be improved through Vocational Training programmes for developing industries, creating a more dynamic workforce. Facilitating access to credit and Loan schemes is also imperative to empowering young entrepreneurs. Establishing favourable lending conditions and financial Literacy programs can enable young citizens to establish and sustain small enterprises, stimulating Economic Growth and job creation at the grassroots level.
Policy reforms are equally essential to create an enabling environment for them. Governments must create laws and enforce labour policies that protect the rights of young workers while promoting fair wages and decent working conditions. Strategic investments in agriculture, technology, and Renewable Energy sectors can unlock new opportunities for employment among young people and promote economic diversification. Integrating the perspectives of the younger generation into national development agendas is crucial for sustainable progress. Establishing platforms for young adults to participate in governance and decision-making ensures that policies reflect their interests and aspirations. By promoting inclusive governance structures, the country can utilise the potential of its younger population as drivers of innovation, productivity, and social change.
Related Article: Peer pressure impact on Nigerian youth
In summary, tackling joblessness among young people in the country necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses its underlying causes and promotes inclusive growth and sustainable development. By investing in education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive governance, the country can unleash the potential of its younger population and create a more prosperous and fair future. Empowering young Nigerians to participate actively in the economy and society is not merely a matter of policy but a prerequisite for realising the country’s full socio-economic potential in the 21st century.