Youth Unemployment Crisis Looms Over Nigeria

Northern Nigeria is facing significant challenges due to ongoing youth unrest, driven by a long-standing neglect by political and civil society elites. The region's leadership has failed to address the growing discontent among youth, which has been festering for over four decades. In the UK, a recent report shows that 13.2% of young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment, or training, raising concerns about their future amid economic struggles. Meanwhile, a coalition of Lagos indigenous youth groups has voiced opposition to non-indigenes contesting the 2027 governorship, signaling a push for local leadership. Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, faces a critical need to create millions of jobs annually to absorb its rapidly growing youth population, which is currently plagued by over 40% unemployment. The IMF emphasizes the need for policies to transition informal jobs into formal employment and foster growth in high-productivity sectors to combat this crisis.