Minister raises concern over youth unemployment

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has expressed worry over Nigeria’s current youth unemployment rate, which stands at approximately 42.5 per cent.

The minister, who made this observation while receiving stakeholders from various organisations during a consultative dialogue in her office in Abuja, noted that the staggering figure underscores the urgent need for adequate skills development and employment programmes.

According to her, the Federal Government is committed to equipping the Nigerian youth with relevant skills to succeed and contribute meaningfully to national development, noting that the ministry is taking the lead in tackling youth unemployment, and bridging the skills gap through groundbreaking flagship initiatives.She stated: “Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate currently stands at approximately 42.5 per cent.”a staggering figure that underscores the urgent need for adequate skills development and employment programmes.

“This is not a problem we can afford to ignore. The urgency should spur us into immediate and comprehensive action to address this pressing issue.

“As many of you are aware, Nigeria is home to a youth demography that represents more than 60 per cent of our population. 

“This is not just statistics, but a powerful potential that if properly harnessed, can transform our economy and elevate our standing on the global stage.
“Despite the significant challenges we face, we must focus on this potential to realise a brighter future for our nation.” 

She explained that with the restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), the Presidential Initiative on Youth Cluster (PIYEC), and the National Youth Skills Programme, the government is directly addressing the challenges young Nigerians are facing, equipping them with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to excel in a rapidly evolving global economy and drive sustainable national progress.