Is NIYEAP a band-aid for Nigeria’s unemployment woes?

Nigeria’s youthful population presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With about 70% of its citizens under the age of 30, the country faces an alarming youth unemployment crisis. This crisis has contributed to an increase in crime and a mass migration of Nigerians in search of better opportunities, a trend often referred to as “japa.”

Despite having one of the world’s largest youth populations, Nigeria struggles with a high rate of unemployment, especially among graduates. Many young Nigerians find themselves unemployed after graduation due to several contributing factors. One major issue is the mismatch between the education system and the labour market. The curriculum in Nigerian schools and universities is often outdated, theoretical, and fails to equip graduates with the practical skills employers require. This disconnect leaves many Nigerian youths educated but unemployable, particularly in sectors critical for economic growth such as technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Moreover, there is a significant shortage of formal employment opportunities in the country. Although Nigeria boasts the second-largest economy in Africa, it has been hindered by underdevelopment in key sectors, poor infrastructure, and an overreliance on the oil industry. These factors have limited the creation of jobs, especially in the private sector, where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) typically drive job creation. However, Nigerian SMEs are often hampered by inadequate access to finance, high operating costs, and an unstable business environment. Consequently, the job market has been unable to absorb the growing number of young Nigerians entering the workforce each year.

Regional and socioeconomic disparities also contribute to the youth unemployment crisis. In Nigeria’s northern regions, where access to quality education and economic opportunities is limited, youth unemployment rates are particularly high. Additionally, societal factors such as nepotism and corruption further exacerbate the problem. Without connections, young people often find it difficult to secure jobs, creating a scenario where vast numbers of youth remain jobless despite their qualifications.

As the unemployment crisis deepens, questions arise about what the government is doing to address the issue. Several government initiatives, as well as efforts from non-governmental organisations, have sought to mitigate the crisis, but much remains to be done.

One of the most notable government strategies is the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP), launched between 2019 and 2023. NIYEAP, which aligns with the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth, focusses on four pillars: Employability, Entrepreneurship Development, Employment Creation, and Equal Opportunity. The goal of this plan is to reduce the number of young people who are not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET)

The employability pillar of NIYEAP emphasises enhancing the skills of Nigerian youth to meet labour market demands. Through collaborations with educational institutions and private companies, the government has facilitated various training programmes. While these programmes have been effective in urban areas, their impact in rural regions remains limited due to infrastructural challenges.

The Entrepreneurship Development pillar is supported by initiatives such as the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), which provides financial support in the form of loans and grants to young Nigerians with innovative business ideas. The goal is to transform these individuals into entrepreneurs and job creators. While this initiative has led to the establishment of small businesses, its long-term success depends on continued mentorship and support.

The Employment Creation pillar focusses on key sectors like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. Programmes such as the Youth Farm Lab have shown promise in the agricultural sector, but expanding these initiatives across other sectors has proven difficult. Moreover, the private sector’s inconsistent involvement limits the broader impact of these programmes.

Finally, the Equal Opportunity pillar under NIYEAP promotes inclusivity, particularly for marginalised groups like women and persons with disabilities. The reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which now integrates skills and entrepreneurship training, is part of this effort. However, achieving true equality in employment opportunities remains challenging, particularly in conservative regions where cultural and religious norms limit participation.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have complemented government efforts by focussing on skills development and empowerment. One notable example is the Nigerian Youth SDGs Network, which has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation in policymaking, employability, and economic empowerment, particularly for women.

Despite these efforts, several challenges still undermine the full potential of these initiatives. The mismatch between education and labour market needs remains a significant barrier. Without reforms to the curriculum at all academic levels, government and private sector efforts will continue to fall short. The funding required to sustain government and NGO programmes is another major challenge. Many of these initiatives rely on external donations, making their longevity uncertain. Moreover, the limited reach of these programmes in rural areas reduces their overall effectiveness.

However, there are opportunities for improvement. The increased reach of digital technology offers a way to expand the impact of training and employment programmes. For example, online platforms like the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) can help bridge the gap between urban and rural youth by providing remote access to education and employment resources. Additionally, encouraging greater private sector involvement, especially in industries with high demand for skilled labour, could amplify the impact of government initiatives.

In conclusion, while government and NGO efforts to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria are commendable, there is still a long way to go. Addressing challenges such as curriculum reform, funding sustainability, and expanding the reach of programmes will be key to creating more inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youth. With the right policies, digital tools, and increased private sector collaboration, Nigeria can build on the successes of these initiatives and better prepare its youth for the future.