Nigeria’s Youth Unemployment Crisis Called “Indictment on Leadership”, Peter Obi
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the country’s leadership over what he described as an alarming youth unemployment crisis, saying recent data showing an 80 per cent unemployment rate among Nigerian youths is a clear indictment on the nation’s direction.
Obi made the remarks in a post on his verified X account, responding to a report by ActionAid and Plan International that estimates more than 80 million young Nigerians are without jobs, a figure he said is staggering even for Africa’s most populous country.
He noted that Nigeria’s large youth population, with roughly three-quarters of citizens under the age of 35, should be an asset, not a vulnerability. Instead, Obi argued that such widespread joblessness reflects failed economic policies and leadership shortcomings rather than a problem with the youths themselves.
In comparing Nigeria’s situation with other countries, Obi pointed out that South Africa’s youth unemployment rate of around 60 per cent translates to about 6 million jobless young people, far lower in absolute terms than Nigeria’s figure.
According to the ex-governor, persistent unemployment has broader social implications, pushing many young Nigerians toward crime, social vices, and political thuggery due to lack of opportunity. He accused current and past governments, including the Bola Tinubu administration, of prioritising wasteful spending, corruption, and unproductive borrowing over targeted policies to create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Obi also called for a stronger focus on investment in production, support for small businesses, and transparent governance as pathways to generate sustainable employment. He urged Nigerian youths to become more politically engaged and to vote for leaders committed to their welfare.
“This is not a youth problem; it is a leadership failure,” Obi said, emphasising the need for leaders who see young people as key drivers of national growth and productivity.