The increasing number of jobless youths in Nigeria is becoming a significant concern, particularly in urban areas like Lagos, where encounters with street urchins have become more common. Uche's recent experience highlights the alarming rise in youth unemployment, which currently stands at 53%, making Nigeria the country with the second-highest youth unemployment rate globally. This crisis has been attributed to a mismatch between the education system and the labor market, leaving many young Nigerians without viable job opportunities.
The economic landscape has been further strained by the exodus of multinationals from Nigeria, resulting in an estimated loss of N94 trillion in output over the past five years. Experts warn that this disillusionment among the youth could lead to increased criminality and political instability if not addressed. The situation is dire, as the lack of employment opportunities fosters an environment where crime can flourish, exacerbating existing social issues.
In response to these challenges, there have been calls for a national youth conference aimed at addressing the pressing issues of unemployment and rising food costs. Chinazam Ike, leading the National Youth Leaders forum, is at the forefront of this initiative, advocating for solutions that can help reintegrate youth into the workforce and reduce the potential for criminal behavior. Without immediate action, the cycle of unemployment and crime is likely to continue, posing a significant threat to the stability of Nigerian society. [1e2891ef]