Unemployment In Nigeria -By Abedi Stephanie Iruoghene

Unemployment is one of the developmental problems that face every developing economy in the 21st century. International statistics portrays that industrial and service workers living in developing regions account for about two-thirds of the unemployed. No Being without a job is indeed an enforced idleness of wage earners who are able and enthusiastic to work but cannot find jobs. In societies in which most people earn a living only by working for others, being unable to find a job is a serious problem. Because of its human costs in deprivation, feeling of rejection and personal failure, the extent of unemployment is widely used as a measure of peoples ‘ welfare. The proportion of workers unemployed shows how well a nation ‘s human resources are used and serves as an index of economic movement. Unemployment has call for a greater concern in the Nigeria economy. It has continued to be the major macroeconomic objectives of the government, it constitutes series of serious developmental problems and is increasingly more serious all over Nigeria. Major policy of the government is targeted at reducing the rate of unemployment.

The issue of unemployment in Nigeria can be traced back to the 1980’s. Nigerian economy since the attainment of political independence in 1960 has undergone fundamental structural changes.

Unemployment is often used as a measure of health of economy and the most frequently cited measure of unemployment is the unemployment rate and we need to also understand the fact whereby someone of a working age is not able to get a job but would like to be full employment. The issue of unemployment in Nigeria is hurting the youth because after passing through every possible level of education known and still unable to find a job it is very frustrating and unacceptable and to consider how large Nigeria and we should by the fact that Nigeria is one of the biggest country in Africa unemployment should not be a great issue because we are well cultured and well educated citizens and we value education seriously in Nigeria of Nigeria.

Unemployment is often used as a measure of health of economy and the most frequently cited measure of unemployment is the unemployment rate and we need to also understand the fact whereby someone of a working age is not able to get a job but would like to be full employment. The issue of unemployment in Nigeria is hurting the youth because after passing through every possible level of education known and still unable to find a job it is very frustrating and unacceptable and to consider how large Nigeria and we should by the fact that Nigeria is one of the biggest country in Africa unemployment should not be a great issue because we are well cultured and well educated citizens and we value education seriously in Nigeria.

Unemployment is one of the most severe social problems facing Nigeria today. It affects all members of society, from the young to the old, and has far-reaching consequences for the economy and national security. In this article, we will look at the effects of unemployment in Nigeria, its causes and some possible solutions to the problem.

Unemployment occurs when people who can work cannot find a suitable paid job for a tangible period of time. The population that falls within this gap are majorly the youth. Unfortunately, the government’s efforts over the years seem to yield no fruits since the situation continues to deteriorate. What are the problems of unemployment in Nigeria? × The country has an unemployment rate of about 33%, which means that about one in four Nigerians is unemployed. That is a very high unemployment rate, which means that many people in the country cannot find work. So why the high unemployment rate in Nigeria?

One reason is that the country has a large population. With a population record of as high as over 200 million, Nigeria remains the most populous country.

Causes and effects of unemployment in Nigeria

Runaway unemployment is a cause for concern in Nigeria. It is not only a drag on the economy but also a social problem. There are many factors responsible for unemployment in Nigeria, and some of them include:
The high population growth rate in Nigeria: The population is growing faster than the economy, so there are not enough jobs.

The lack of quality education and training: Many Nigerian youths are not adequately educated or trained for the available jobs.

The corruption and red tape in the Nigerian government: The problem makes it difficult for businesses to operate and creates an environment that is not conducive to job creation.

The high cost of living: The high cost of living makes it difficult for people to afford basic necessities, let alone save enough money to start their businesses.

The insecurity in Nigeria: The insecurity in Nigeria makes it difficult for businesses to operate and also makes it unsafe for people to go out and look for jobs.

With over 33% unemployment rate, the country records one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. That has led to many social problems, such as: Crime Poverty Political instability Unemployment has also affected the economy. Nigeria’s GDP has been declining for the past few years due to the high unemployment rate. The country’s debt has also been increasing, as the government has had to borrow money to fund social programs.

Nomic problems. Unemployment and crime The unemployment crisis in Nigeria has led to a situation where many Nigerians turn to crime in order to make ends meet. Below are ways in which unemployment can lead to crime.

Unemployed individuals may turn to crime as a way to make money. That is often seen in cases of theft and robbery and in more sophisticated crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.

Unemployment can lead to crime as a way to vent frustration and anger. Many unemployed individuals feel they have been dealt a raw deal in life and may lash out at society by engaging in criminal activity.

It can also lead to crime as a way to gain status and respect. Many young people, in particular, feel they have nothing to lose by engaging in crime and treat it as a way to earn respect from their peers.
Unemployment and poverty

The huge unemployment problem has led Nigerian society to high levels of poverty. Unemployment causes poverty because when people are unemployed, they do not have any money coming in.

This means they cannot afford to buy food, rent, or even transportation. As a result, they find themselves living in poverty. Unemployment can also lead to mental and physical health problems, worsening poverty. The most appropriate way to discontinue the cycle of poverty is to create jobs. When more Nigerians are employed, they will have money to spend, boosting the economy.

Unemployment and political instability

One of the most damaging effects of unemployment is political instability. Large numbers of people out of work can lead to social unrest and, in extreme cases, revolution. Nigeria is a prime example of how unemployment can lead to political instability.

Coups and uprisings have plagued the country for decades, most of which can be traced back to high unemployment rates. It only takes a slight provocation to escalate political instability in a country like Nigeria, where the young population is unemployed and frustrated.

The most recent example Is the protests that rocked the country in 2020 because of the proposed hike in fuel prices. The protests quickly turned into a nationwide movement against the government. The protesters’ drive was anger because of the country’s high unemployment and poverty, hence the demand for change. Even amid the deteriorating unemployment problem in Nigeria, it is not all lost. However, by putting in relentless efforts, the government can turn around the situation even though gradually.

What are the main causes of unemployment in Nigeria?

Corruption, neglect of agricultural and other natural resources, poor quality education, a lack of working skills, overpopulation, inflation, and a decrease in economic value are the key reasons for unemployment in Nigeria.
What are the effects of youth unemployment in Nigeria?

Youth unemployment has terrible psychological and financial effects on both the individual and society as a whole. Youth unemployment in Nigeria has a number of negative consequences, including a rise in militancy, violent crimes, kidnappings, restlessness, and socially irresponsible behaviour.

What are the solutions to unemployment in Nigeria?

Some remedies to unemployment include reforming the country’s educational system, developing infrastructure, empowering youngsters to work for themselves, and making resources more freely available.

Unemployment is a major problem in Nigeria that needs urgent addressing. The government should prioritize implementing policies that encourage entrepreneurship. These are policies such as investing in education and training and improving infrastructure. These solutions will help to create jobs and reduce poverty. Additionally, the government must promote economic growth to boost the economy and create more jobs. Only then can the country begin to address the effects of unemployment in Nigeria.