Increasing number of jobless youths in Nigerian neighbourhoods scales up criminality

…Mismatch between education system, labour market to blame – Educationist

…Exodus of multinationals from the Nigerian economy worrisome – Economist

Just after buying a new refrigerator in a popular market in Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos, Uche was on his way home when three unkempt young men suddenly surrounded his taxi.

“Give us money, you will have to give us something to buy food,” growled one of the youths with bloodshot eyes, leaning on the window on the driver’s side.

“Otherwise, I will stab you in the eye,” barked another with yellowing teeth from the opposite side of the car, as he brandished a big screwdriver.

Uche was afraid; especially since the car was stuck in traffic that was notorious in Lagos’ major roads on a daily basis, making a speedy escape difficult.

As passer-by watched from a safe distance, fearful of intervening, the taxi driver advised Uche that he would have to part with some cash.

His initial offer of N500 was rejected. But when he increased it to N1,000 naira, the youths grabbed the money and went on their way.

“More blessings to you!” they said, smiling as they scampered off.

Uche’s ordeal is not isolated as dozens of such cases play out on the streets of Lagos on a daily basis. Many youths who are unemployed and idle have turned themselves into street urchins and constitute a menace on citizens in the streets, major roads, markets and many dangerous spots in the city.

In many places now in Lagos and other major cities in Nigeria, it is common to see large numbers of idle youths roam about or stand in groups.

In some areas, they can be seen gathering very early in the morning in groups, when they should engage in productive ventures; they are seen playing Ludo, Whot, Snooker, Draft and other games, just to while away their time.

In some cases, most of them look unkempt and dress shabbily.

Read also: Youth unemployment in Nigeria: Trends, challenges, and pathways to economic growth

A careful look at them shows that some of the youth migrated from different parts of the country to Lagos in a bid to survive due to insecurity and economic pressure.

“I came to Lagos to stay with my aunty and look for work after WAEC because there was nothing to do when I was in Akwa Ibom; my friends are either riding Okada, or doing menial jobs,” Uwem Akpan, commercial bicycle rider said.

With 53 percent, Nigeria has the second highest number of unemployed youths in the world, a global youth unemployment index has shown in 2023. The country is second to only South Africa, which has 61 percent youth unemployment.

Similarly, about 53.40 percent of youths in Nigeria are unemployed, according to youth unemployment rates released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2022.

Observers said that the reason many youths are roaming the streets was obviously because of no jobs, the faulty education system and inability of the government to initiate soft loans for youths, graduates to start Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

They also said that the soft loan scheme for graduates and other youths for them to start SMEs has severally been politicised, hence, did not take-off or benefited only those with links to the ruling party or chieftains.

Experts say that unless the government at all levels take deliberate action to deal with unemployment and joblessness in the country, there is no hope in sight.

Read also: States lag in Nigeria’s unemployment puzzle

Experts have predicted that the unemployment situation may even worsened as more universities churn out graduates into the labour market, and apprentices on graduating, are looking for money to start their own businesses.

Meanwhile, some Nigerians, especially educationists, say that the problem is with the education system.

“One of the primary causes is the mismatch between the education system and the labour market. Many Nigerian youths graduate from secondary schools and universities with qualifications that do not align with the demands of the modern economy,” Joy Michael, an educationist said.

“Also, the curriculum in many institutions is outdated, focusing on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills that are in high demand. As a result, graduates often find themselves ill-equipped for available jobs, leading to frustration and a sense of hopelessness,” Michael added.

She further stated that the high cost of education in Nigeria is also a significant barrier for many young people. The rising cost of tuition, coupled with the economic hardships faced by many families, means that many youths are unable to afford higher education or vocational training.

The unemployment crisis is worsened by the lack of job opportunities for young people. Although Nigeria’s economy is heavily reliant on the oil sector, it offers limited employment.

In recent times, the departure of numerous multinational corporations from the country due to the challenging operating environment has raised concerns about the potential exacerbation of youth unemployment.

According to an economist and former Director of Research and Advocacy at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria, Vincent Nwani, the exodus of multinationals from the Nigerian economy has cost the country a N94tn loss of output in five years.

Nwani said, “If things continue this way and I don’t see anything being done to cause insecurity to stop, illegal taxation, corruption, and uncertainty of foreign exchange rendering companies unable to hedge risk, then I see at least 10 more notable names (of multinationals) that will go. We already have five by the end of May.”

Many other experts have raised concerns about the inability of Nigeria to tap into areas like agriculture and manufacturing to create jobs for the teeming population.

“Sectors like agriculture and manufacturing are underdeveloped, and the private sector struggles with poor infrastructure and limited credit access. As a result, many young people are left with few viable options for meaningful employment,” Taiye Ogidan, an economist, said.

In a period where Nigeria is facing unprecedented security challenges, social stability and poverty threats, observers say this confusion and lack of purpose can lead to increased involvement in criminal activities, including drug abuse, armed robbery, and internet fraud, which are already prevalent in some parts of the country.

Moreover, the disillusionment and frustration among these youths can fuel political instability and violence, as they become easy targets for radicalisation and recruitment by extremist groups.

“The government knows what they can do but they would not because they want to continue to use them during elections. Why can’t we have a system where soft loan is made available for graduates to start SMES? Everything is politics and we can’t tackle unemployment with mouth,” Kunle Okunade, public affairs analyst, said.

Recently, the forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) called for the convocation of the proposed national youth conference to address youth unemployment and the high cost of food items in the country.

The newly elected chairman of the forum, Chinazam Ike, in an inaugural speech, noted that youths are getting disenchanted with the government over the delay in convening the conference that will avail them the opportunity to discuss these issues.

Ike cited insecurity caused by insurgents, unknown gunmen, banditry, kidnapping, and “yahoo boys” activities in Nigeria.

He explained that the issues include the non-inclusion of youth in governance, the non-implementation of palliatives to cushion the harsh reality of the fuel subsidy removal in the petroleum sector in Nigeria, as well as the non-implementation of the electronic voter collation of election results by INEC.