In a press conference addressing the prevailing unemployment crisis in Nigeria, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has fervently called upon the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on unemployment. The organization proposes an allocation of N1 billion for job creation initiatives in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), tailored to the unique characteristics of each region.
Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the Executive Director of CHRICED, emphasized the urgent need for strategic focus on key sectors of the economy. He identified manufacturing, agriculture, industry, and information and communication technology (ICT) as pivotal foundations for fostering inclusive growth in the nation, particularly in the face of escalating youth unemployment and crime rates.
Zikirullahi underscored the necessity for a robust political commitment to enhance the fairness, transparency, and openness of existing government-run employment and economic empowerment programs. He asserted that rejuvenating these programs is critical for generating new employment templates that address the pressing needs of the Nigerian populace.
Addressing the cost of living crisis arising from stringent economic policies, Zikirullahi criticized the government’s reliance on subsidy removal and the devaluation of the national currency against the United States Dollar as inadequate solutions. Despite citizens grappling with severe hardships, he highlighted the government’s persistence in adhering to these policies without adequately addressing other crucial concerns.
The removal of fuel subsidies, according to Zikirullahi, has precipitated a surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, triggering a ripple effect across the economy. As transportation costs soar, the prices of essential commodities such as food and housing become unaffordable for many Nigerian families.
Citing data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Zikirullahi revealed alarming figures, with the headline inflation rate reaching 28.20% in November 2023. The food inflation rate in the same period accelerated to 32.84%. Over 133 million citizens currently live in multi-dimensional poverty, a staggering indication of the profound economic challenges facing the nation.
Zikirullahi attributed the deepening poverty crisis to poorly conceived and implemented government policies, including the Naira redesign under the previous Buhari regime and the subsidy removal and currency floating of the current Tinubu administration. He lamented the dire consequences, with inflationary pressures eroding the purchasing power of a growing number of Nigerians and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) failing to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
In conclusion, CHRICED urged the government to undertake comprehensive and compassionate measures to alleviate the economic plight of its citizens, emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing policies that promote sustainable job creation and address the root causes of the nation’s economic challenges