Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, has urged the federal and state governments, alongside the private sector, to take urgent action to tackle Nigeria’s growing unemployment crisis.

Ngwu, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District, raised concerns on Friday over the widening gap between the number of graduates produced annually and the limited job opportunities available.

He warned that without immediate intervention, unemployment could further destabilise the country.

Citing data, Ngwu noted that Nigerian universities and polytechnics admit about 2 million students and produce approximately 600,000 graduates yearly, while job creation remains insufficient to absorb them. This, he said, has left many youths vulnerable and disillusioned.

While commending President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms focused on job creation, food security, and poverty alleviation, Ngwu stressed the need for a state of emergency on unemployment to fast-track these initiatives.

He announced plans to present a motion on the Senate floor urging the Federal Government to take decisive action on the issue.

He said, “Unemployment in Nigeria has been one of the unfinished businesses of government since the second republic. Nigeria’s universities and polytechnics produce a staggering number of graduates each year. According to available data, these institutions admit around 2 million students and release approximately 600,000 graduates annually. This number has been consistent over the past decade, with around 134 recognized polytechnics and 174 universities in Nigeria contributing to this total. The stark reality is that this number far exceeds the jobs created annually, resulting in a significant mismatch between the supply of graduates and the demand for labour. This has led to a glut in unemployment amongst our youths.

“However, I am heartened by President Tinubu’s initiatives to remodel Nigeria’s economy, with a focus on job creation, food security, and poverty alleviation. The declaration of a state of emergency on unemployment will fast-track these initiatives, which are crucial in addressing the alarming unemployment rate in Nigeria. I firmly believe that this move will accelerate the creation of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty. To those who are already employed, I urge them to protect their jobs by being resourceful and dedicated to their work.

“In the coming days, I will present a motion on the floor of the Senate calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the unemployment rate in Nigeria. This motion will be a crucial step towards addressing the unemployment crisis and ensuring that our youths have access to decent jobs and a brighter future. We must work together to address this crisis. Our youths are becoming very vulnerable as a result of unemployment.”

Ngwu called on governments at all levels and the private sector to collaborate in creating sustainable employment opportunities, stressing that the fight against unemployment is essential for Nigeria’s stability and future prosperity.