Youth unemployment, poverty and security challenges in Nigeria

The rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria has been on the increase since the return of civil rule in 1999. Despite the abundant resources in the country and the reported economic growth, the nation¿s labour absorbing capacity has declined steadily. This has caused chronic poverty and criminality among youths in Nigeria. Previous studies on youth unemployment focused on various government intervention programmes, but with little emphasis on its security implications. This study, therefore, examined the causes and relationship among youth unemployment, poverty and security challenges in Abia, Sokoto and Oyo states, Nigeria. Bad governance and corruption enhance unemployment which consequently dictates the incidence of poverty and crime in Nigeria. It is pertinent for government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to create jobs for the youths to enable them to play positive roles in the development of the nation.