December 20, 2024, | Abuja, Nigeria
PEP researchers presented findings from their review of youth employment policies in Nigeria.
The Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) researchers, with support from the Mastercard Foundation, convened a National Policy Conference (NPC) at the Rockview (Royale) Hotel in Abuja to present research findings on youth employment policies in Nigeria. The event brought together 61 stakeholders, including government officials, civil society actors, youth representatives, private sector players, and members of the media.
Dr. Emily Ikhide welcomed participants, emphasizing the urgency of addressing youth unemployment for Nigeria's economic growth and stability. She noted that the research forms part of a multi-country study across Africa, aimed at crafting credible solutions to the continent’s youth employment crisis.
Dr. Oluwasola Omoju, team lead for the program research, highlighted troubling statistics: Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate soared from 2.3% in 2000 to 53.4% by 2020, before a methodology change by the National Bureau of Statistics recalculated it to 8.6% in 2023. Despite these figures, he stressed that substantial underemployment persists. Dr. Omoju called for macroeconomic stability, robust monitoring systems, adequate funding, inclusion of marginalized groups, and reduced political interference to strengthen Youth Employment Programs (YEPs).
An engaging interactive session followed the presentation, where representatives from the National Directorate of Employment, Federal Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, civil society organizations, and youth groups provided critical feedback and recommendations. Notable among the comments was the call for better data tracking, harmonized youth programs, curriculum reform, stronger public-private partnerships, and genuine youth inclusion in policymaking.
Several key figures acknowledged the potential policy impact of the research. Officials from the National Directorate of Employment expressed interest in applying the findings to evaluate existing programs, while Mr. Amanokhai Momodu & Ms Bisong Mary Onah representatives from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation emphasized the importance of independent monitoring to curb political interference.
The conference concluded with a resounding call to action: leverage research findings to influence policy reforms and empower Nigeria’s youth meaningfully. Dr. Ikhide assured participants that all feedback would be incorporated into further engagements, with a promise to continue bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice.
Media houses present captured the vibrant discussions, helping to amplify the urgent need for transformative youth employment policies in Nigeria. , National Telegraph, Daily Legend and Nation's News Online
