Nigeria’s youth are facing a crisis of opportunity, crushed by a lack of employment options, and are increasingly turning to dangerous migration paths in hopes of a better life abroad. As Nigeria strengthens its collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address irregular migration, the voices of ordinary Nigerians reveal a much deeper issue: a broken system, widespread exploitation, and a lack of opportunities pushing the nation’s youth to despair.
In interviews conducted by Fairview, Nigerian residents shared their frustrations about the seemingly never-ending unemployment crisis. One resident, who spoke anonymously, captured the depth of the disillusionment: “Unemployment in Nigeria has become a war that looks endless because the country lacks the system that works. We have industries and abundant mineral resources at our disposal, but due to ineffective leadership and poor systems, these resources are rendered useless. The next generation no longer even wants to go to school because they understand that after graduation, the struggle will be just as tough, making education seem pointless.”
The challenges of youth unemployment in Nigeria are reflected in several reports. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate for youths aged 15-24 was recorded at 6.5% in Q2 2024, a slight improvement from 8.4% in Q1 2024. However, this hides the larger issue of underemployment, with millions working in informal sectors. The Afrobarometer Round 10 survey (2024) found that 23% of Nigerian youth aged 18-35 are unemployed and actively seeking work, highlighting the stark disparity between youth and older generations in securing stable employment.
The World Bank reports Nigeria’s annual population growth rate at 3.5%, increasing pressure on the job market and making it even harder for young people to find stable employment. Despite their qualifications and aspirations, the country’s economic system leaves them with little hope for a fulfilling career.
Chinyere, a resident, shared her frustration about the added challenges women face in getting decent jobs: “Sexual harassment is a huge problem. Many women are qualified for jobs, but some employers try to take advantage of them before offering employment, while others demand bribes.”
Research from the Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy reveals that young women in Nigeria face disproportionate vulnerability in informal sectors, like beer promotion and street vending. These roles, while offering a source of income, often lack legal protection and are rife with harassment. A 2023 study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that 34% of Nigerian women in informal employment reported experiencing harassment.
With limited opportunities, many young Nigerians are turning to irregular migration in search of better prospects. According to the Migration Policy Institute, over 70% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, a major driver of this trend. The IOM has assisted over 70,000 Nigerian irregular migrants, with 27,000 successfully reintegrated into Nigeria. While these efforts are commendable, the lack of viable opportunities in Nigeria makes migration seem like the only option for many youth.
Ugochi Florence Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director-General for Operations, noted, “Nigeria leads in returns.” However, despite these efforts, the absence of jobs continues to push young Nigerians to take dangerous migration routes.
The Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (2021-2024) has outlined key focus areas such as employability, entrepreneurship, and equal access to employment opportunities. However, these initiatives often suffer from inconsistent funding and poor execution. Only 27% of Nigerian graduates acquire practical skills during their education, creating a significant skills gap that prevents many from entering the workforce.
Princess Nora, a resident, urged young Nigerians to take matters into their own hands by learning trades or other skills if the government does not provide support. However, this does not address the systemic nature of the problem. A long-term strategy, with consistent funding and proper execution, is needed to create more sustainable employment opportunities in key sectors.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the government’s “4-Ds” foreign policy framework Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development during a meeting with Ms. Daniels. She emphasized that with over 70% of Nigeria’s population under 40, there is an urgent need for employment opportunities to prevent migration pressures.
While the partnership with IOM represents a step forward, Nigeria needs comprehensive, long-term reforms that address the root causes of unemployment such as poor governance, a lack of accountability, and infrastructure deficits. Initiatives like the World Bank’s Nigeria Electrification Project, which has provided electricity to over 5.9 million Nigerians through mini-grids, show the potential for infrastructure to create jobs and drive economic growth.
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) calls for evidence-based policies to tackle unemployment, while the Nigeria Youth SDG Network advocates for public-private partnerships to create more internships and apprenticeships.
The voices of Nigeria’s youth reveal a nation at a crossroads. While migration provides a temporary escape, without addressing the structural problems of unemployment, corruption, and inadequate education, the cycle will continue.
