Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced concern over a recent ActionAid/Plan International report showing that over 80 million young Nigerians are unemployed.
In a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, Obi described the report as a damning reflection of the nation’s leadership and economic direction.
The ex-Anambra governor highlighted that Nigeria leads the world in absolute youth unemployment due to its large population. He contrasted this with South Africa, where a 60% youth unemployment rate translates to about 6 million unemployed youths—over 70 million fewer than Nigeria.
“When millions of youths are unemployed, it is not a youth problem, it is a leadership failure. This is the direct result of political greed that has failed to serve the people,” Obi wrote.
He noted that with about 75% of Nigerians under 35, youth joblessness should be treated as a national emergency. Obi criticized the government for prioritizing wasteful spending, corruption, and unproductive borrowing over supporting youths and MSMEs to drive growth and create employment.
“Nigeria does not lack entrepreneurial and resourceful youths; what we lack are leaders who are intentional about creating opportunities,” he added.
Obi urged Nigerian youths to engage actively in the political process, electing leaders who prioritize their welfare and the nation’s growth.
“Nigeria deserves competent, credible, compassionate, and capable leadership, one that will create opportunities and empower our young Nigerians,” he concluded.