Addressing unemployment

CLEARLY, unemployment is one of the critical problems in Nigeria. Years of corruption and mismanagement have hindered economic growth.

Nigeria is blessed with diverse resources but years of negligence have led to their under-utilisation. These resources have not been effectively utilised in order to yield maximum economic benefits and this is one of the primary causes of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the lack of jobs has resulted in the increase of people without purchasing power. There is, therefore, a need for the Federal Government to attend to the issue of unemployment as it increases the rate of crime.

Secondary school leavers consistute the principal fraction of the unemployed, accounting for between 35 and 50 per cent. The index of unemployment within the age group of 20-24 is 40 per cent.

There are different types of employment. Frictional unemployment is as a result of workers seeking for greener pastures and, in some cases, it is as a result of workers being fired.

Cyclical unemployment results from a drastic fall in the demand for goods and services, while structural unemployment is the result of a shift in the economy. It can also result from constant technological changes.

Obviously, high and rapid growth, unstable and corrupt political environments, lack of quality education, lack of infrastructure and recession are  factors that fuelunemployment in Nigeria.

Due to the increase in the rate of unemployment in Nigeria, there have been adverse effects on both the economy and the society. High rate of crime, increased rural-urban migration, reduction in the national output of goods and services are some of the disturbing effects of unemployment.

To help curbunemployment in Nigeria, I suggest the following ideas: productive and people-oriented government policies, production of infrastructure and industrial-friendly environment and reformation of the education sector.

The government needs to create schools, good amenities, infrastructure and job opportunities in rural areas as this would reduce rural-urban migration. It is also essential that the electorate play its role in electing leaders with proven track records of integrity and industry.

We need to understand our responsibilities and vote for people with credibility, who would provide answers to nagging national questions and display readiness to work as this would definitely translate to the well-being of the nation.

• Pelumi Akinola

oluwapelumipeace63@gmail.com