YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND INCLUSION IN NIGERIA: A CHALLENGE TO DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Globally, the state of the youth is characterised by widespread unequal access to job opportunities, health and education as well as poor political influence. In Nigeria, unemployment rates among youth have doubled in the past one decade. In response to these challenges, a multiplicity of Government programmes have been introduced to address youth unemployment. But there appear to be no significant outcome as unemployment rates in the country are till high. Despite the successful passage of the #Not Too Young to run# Bill by the National Assembly, youth are still disenfranchised particularly female youth as their high poverty levels preclude them from contesting for offices. In a highly gender unequal society, the dominant political parties are pegging exorbitant fees for the purchase of party nomination forms, thus constructively excluding the youth, particularly the female youth whose poverty levels are higher, from contesting. Based on these observations, the paper recommends among others, the entrenchment of youth citizenship that can give them a voice that was lost through the #ENDSARS movement. The Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan #SDGAction27901 initiatives needs effective implementation, monitoring and accountability to achieve youth inclusion and affirmative action.