ABUJA, Nigeria — Over 80 million Nigerian youths are currently unemployed, according to a new report that paints a stark picture of the challenges facing Africa’s most populous country. The State of the Nigerian Youth Report 2025, launched Thursday in Abuja by Plan International Nigeria in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, reveals that youth unemployment has surged to 53 percent, posing what the report describes as the “single greatest threat” to Nigeria’s future. The report was officially presented at the Nigerian Youth Dialogue, an event organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament to commemorate International Youth Day 2025. Speaking during the presentation, Jonathan Abakpa, Advocacy and Youth Programme Officer at Plan International Nigeria, said that widespread unemployment, rising insecurity, and poor governance are driving young Nigerians into dangerous alternatives such as irregular migration, cybercrime, and other illicit activities. “This is not just a statistic—it represents shattered dreams and wasted talent,” the report warns. “Unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria risks losing its greatest asset.” According to the report, approximately 1.7 million graduates enter the job market annually, but face limited employment opportunities in an economy plagued by stagnation. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates youth unemployment rose by 5.3 percent in Q1 2024, with only marginal improvement in Q2. Beyond joblessness, the report highlights insecurity as a significant obstacle to youth development. Over 600,000 people have been killed and 2.2 million kidnapped in recent years, with young people disproportionately affected. Additionally, more than 1,500 schools have been closed in the past two years due to violence, leaving over 1 million children out of school. Quoting UNICEF, the report also notes that armed conflict has displaced 2.6 million people, crippling agricultural activities and threatening food security for more than 25 million Nigerians. The authors emphasize that widespread poverty, affecting 40.1 percent of the population (about 82.9 million Nigerians), continues to limit opportunities for youth advancement. Structural challenges such as poor infrastructure, corruption, and digital exclusion further exacerbate the problem. Findings from a nationwide “We Listen” survey revealed regional disparities: Despite the grim outlook, the report underscores the resilience of Nigerian youth, particularly in the technology and creative sectors. It calls for urgent interventions including: One key recommendation is for Universal Basic Education to be enshrined as a constitutional right, ensuring that no child is excluded from schooling due to poverty, insecurity, or geographic barriers. In his remarks, Hon. Ayodeji Alao-Akala, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to youth-focused legislation. “Nigerian youths are the future of our nation,” Alao-Akala said. “Our task as leaders is to make sure the children of tomorrow inherit a country better than what we met—one with more opportunities and less hardship.” He added that the National Assembly has dedicated considerable effort toward passing bills and motions aimed at improving the lives of young people. As one of the younger members of parliament, Alao-Akala said he remains passionate about ensuring that policies from the House of Representatives translate into tangible outcomes for Nigerian youth. He pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen youth development programmes and prepare the next generation for leadership, innovation, and economic growth.
