The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate of 80 percent, as reported by ActionAid/Plan International, as a damning indictment of the country’s leadership and economic direction.

Obi noted that the figure represents over 80 million unemployed youths—a staggering number in a nation with one of the world’s largest youth populations. He shared his views in a post on his verified X handle, accusing the Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of neglecting the country’s young population.

“The recent report revealing that over 80 million young Nigerians are unemployed is a direct reflection of leadership failure,” Obi said. “This is not a youth problem; it is a consequence of political greed and unproductive governance.”

He highlighted the scale of the crisis by comparing Nigeria to South Africa, where a youth unemployment rate of about 60 percent translates to roughly six million unemployed youths—still far fewer than Nigeria’s 80 million.

Obi emphasized that with approximately 75 percent of Nigerians under the age of 35, youth unemployment should be treated as a national emergency. “Instead of investing in youths as productive assets, supporting MSMEs, and fostering job creation, the government has opted for wasteful spending, corruption, and borrowing policies that limit opportunities and expand poverty,” he added.

He further argued that Nigeria’s youths are inherently resourceful and entrepreneurial, but their potential is being squandered due to poor governance. “We need leaders who are intentional about creating opportunities, investing in production, and running a transparent, people-centered government,” Obi stressed.

Calling for a change in leadership, Obi urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in shaping the nation’s future. “Nigeria deserves competent, credible, compassionate, and capable leadership that empowers young Nigerians. A New Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.