Addressing Nigeria’s Rising Youth Unemployment and Economic Challenges

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of the CBCN raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s economic crisis at the Plenary Assembly, highlighting a 39.84% food inflation rate and 129 million people in poverty. He described the youth unemployment rate of 53% as a ‘ticking time bomb’ tied to rising crime. The Archbishop urged the government to address these issues through systemic changes and good governance.

In a recent address at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s Plenary Assembly in Abuja, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji raised pressing concerns regarding the state of the nation. He stated that food inflation has reached 39.84 percent, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic meals. Furthermore, he highlighted that approximately 129 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, stressing that temporary relief measures are insufficient and advocating for sustainable solutions to the underlying economic issues.

While acknowledging the long-term goals of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, Archbishop Ugorji expressed that these measures have inadvertently led to soaring inflation and diminished purchasing power for many Nigerians. The Archbishop reported that the World Bank identifies a staggering number of Nigerians living below the poverty line, with Nigeria ranked second in acute food insecurity worldwide, affecting 24 million people.

The Archbishop characterized the current youth unemployment rate, which stands at 53 percent, as a precarious situation, describing it as “a ticking time bomb.” He attributed the rise in criminal activities, including kidnapping and cyber fraud, directly to the despair among jobless youths. The situation has been aggravated by mass layoffs and the closure of numerous businesses, exacerbating economic instability.

He emphasized the urgent need for the government to address youth unemployment seriously, asserting that without substantial job creation, insecurity and crime will persist. Furthermore, he warned corrupt leaders about the potential consequences of their actions, stating that public discontent could lead to violent uprisings, drawing historical parallels with past revolutions.

To combat these escalating issues, Archbishop Ugorji called for fundamental rights protection and insisted on the necessity of good governance through transparent electoral processes. He also urged for the empowerment of citizens via civic education and highlighted the Church’s role in promoting social teachings as a pathway to improving the situation.

The remarks by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji underscore the critical state of youth unemployment and economic hardship in Nigeria. With alarming poverty statistics and escalating crime tied to desperation among jobless youths, the call for sustainable and effective governmental interventions is more urgent than ever. Emphasizing the need for strong governance and civic empowerment, Archbishop Ugorji’s insights provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the root causes of these societal challenges.

Original Source: www.fides.org