Then and Beyond: Waiting for Work: The Crisis of Unemployment in Nigeria

By: Oluseun FATOPE

Across cities in Nigeria, it is not uncommon to find university graduates hawking in traffics, working as POS operators or roaming around refreshing job boards for opportunities that may never come. It has become the fear of many youths as they draw near their last days in universities. A larger story lies beyond this story of daily hard hustle.

Starting from the colonial era through the oil boom years, to today’s gig economy and japa migration, we can assess the causes of the chronic unemployment, let’s dissect what is broken and ask what it will take to build a future where decent work is not a privilege but a right.

THEN: The Evolution of Work in Nigeria

Farming, trade and artisan industries has been the backbone of economy and commerce for most Nigerians before colonisation. The economic orientation of Nigerians changed with the arrival of the British colonialist. They introduced a wage-based economy, drawing Nigerians into slavery both physically and mentally, primarily to support the British course, making employment racially stratified and exploitative during their occupations.

However after independence, the Nigerian government assumed a central role in job creation. The first National Development Plan and oil revenues of the 1970s enabled massive recruitment into civil service, parastatals, and education. Just a SSCE certificate nearly guaranteed a job. A higher degree was seen of higher value and many citizens of this period boast of the abundance of job and it’s supplements during this time.

Things starts falling apart in the 1980s, with falling oil prices, economic mismanagement and the growing debt tradition, Nigeria was forced to adopt IMF mandated Structural Adjustment Programs(SAPs). The adoption led to state enterprises being privatised, downsizing of public institutions and the decimation of job security. Thousands were deported to the trenches and job scarcity became a norm.

NOW: Statistics That Sting

Nigeria’s unemployment crisis hits hard, and the numbers tell a story that’s tough to ignore. Over 42% of young Nigerians can’t find work, and more than 60% of the population scrapes by in the informal sector—hustling, surviving, but rarely thriving. Every year, over hundreds of thousands graduates flood the job market, clutching degrees that often don’t translate into jobs. The gap between what’s taught in schools and what employers need is glaring, and it’s fueling frustration while pushing people toward desperate choices.

The education system, for all its merits, often misses the mark. Graduates leave universities armed with theoretical knowledge, but lacking the practical skills industries demand. It’s not uncommon to meet degree holders who feel stranded, their years of study seemingly irrelevant to the realities of the job market. This disconnect creates a generation of talent that’s eager but unprepared, caught between ambition and opportunity.

For many, the informal economy becomes the fallback. Ride-hailing, online selling, or freelancing for overseas clients—they’re lifelines, but they come with trade-offs. These gigs offer income, yet they lack stability, legal protections, or paths to long-term growth. It’s survival, not a career. And for those who can’t make it work, the temptation to leave Nigeria altogether grows stronger.

The “Japa” exodus—Nigerians leaving for greener pastures—is a symptom of this deeper issue. Nurses, tech workers, doctors, and engineers are packing up, chasing opportunities abroad that their homeland can’t provide. It’s a painful paradox: Nigeria produces remarkable talent but struggles to keep it. The brain drain isn’t just a loss of skills; it’s a loss of hope in what the country could be.

BEYOND: Rethinking Employment in the 21st Century

But there’s a way forward, and it starts with rethinking how we prepare people for work. Education needs a shake-up. Curricula should evolve to teach practical skills— tech skills, artificial intelligence manipulation, business know-how, creative problem-solving—while vocational training deserves more investment. Universities and industries need to collaborate, create internships and job pipelines that give students real shots at employment.

The informal sector, too, could be a powerhouse if supported properly. Imagine government programs offering credit, skill-building workshops, or simplified tax systems for small businesses. Cooperatives and unions could give gig workers a stronger voice, turning precarious hustles into structured, sustainable livelihoods.

Then there’s the potential of emerging industries. Tech is a goldmine: coding, data analysis, and digital marketing could absorb countless young Nigerians. Green energy is another frontier; solar power, recycling, and sustainable agriculture aren’t just buzzwords, they’re untapped job markets. By investing in these areas, Nigeria could create employment opportunities that are both meaningful and future-proof.

Job creation doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. Different regions have unique strengths: leatherwork in Kano, entertainment in Lagos, agribusiness in Benue. Local governments could lean into these by getting support for industries that reflect their communities’ talents and resources. It’s about building opportunities where people already are.

To keep talents from fleeing, Nigeria needs to restore faith in its future. Better governance, reliable infrastructure, and fair hiring practices would go a long way. So would a sense of security and justice because people stay where they feel valued and safe. Dignity and opportunity are what anchor patriotism.

CONCLUSION

This isn’t just an economic crisis; it’s a question of national identity. Work gives people purpose, a stake in their country’s future. Without it, frustration festers, and dreams slip away. But Nigeria has a chance to rewrite this story. With bold reforms, innovative policies, and a commitment to action, the country can build a future where work isn’t a privilege—it’s a promise. The next generation shouldn’t be waiting for jobs; they should be stepping into opportunities that let them shine. Let’s make that Nigeria a reality