Youth Unemployment in Nigeria: A Ticking Time Bomb According to CBCN President

Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Nigeria’s CBCN has warned that youth unemployment poses a severe threat to national security, leading to increased crime and radicalization. He urged government intervention to create job opportunities and reform correctional facilities. He also criticized the treatment of inmates and called for judicial reforms to ensure justice and uphold human dignity amid Nigeria’s growing economic and security challenges.

In a recent address, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), emphasized the urgent need to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria, linking it to rising crime rates. Speaking at the First 2025 CBCN Plenary Assembly, he described youth unemployment as a “ticking time bomb” that leads to radicalization and involvement in violent groups. He stated that joblessness cultivates a climate of disillusionment that drives many young people towards criminal pursuits and cultism.

Archbishop Ugorji raised concerns over the spiritual degradation affecting Nigerian youths who are turning to pagan practices and idolatory due to a lack of employment opportunities. He warned that failure to address unemployment will exacerbate the recruitment of vulnerable youths into dangerous groups and compromise national security. He further urged both Federal and State governments to prioritize job creation to avert an escalated crisis.

The Archbishop also condemned the dire conditions within Nigerian correctional centers, criticizing overcrowding and the treatment of inmates. He pointed out that many correctional facilities remain outdated and unsanitary, with inmates often deprived of adequate food and healthcare, leading to deplorable living situations. He highlighted that a large percentage of the imprisoned population are still awaiting trial, often for extended periods.

Archbishop Ugorji characterized the treatment of inmates as inhumane, calling it a violation of their dignity and fundamental rights. He advocated for judicial reforms to expedite legal processes and alleviate the burden of prolonged detention. Furthermore, he expressed worries about the increasing security crises and economic challenges confronting Nigeria, which have intensified poverty and displacement.

Addressing these issues, he demanded the government deploy advanced technology to enhance security efforts, while calling for the continuation of needed reforms in the corrections system. This would ensure justice and uphold human dignity in Nigeria, according to the Archbishop. The Catholic Bishop’s insights reflect a broader concern about the social and economic stability in Nigeria, urging immediate action to remedy the crisis.

In summary, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji has highlighted the critical issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria, describing it as a potential catalyst for increased crime, radicalization, and social unrest. His call for government intervention emphasizes the urgency of job creation and judicial reforms to improve living conditions for inmates. Furthermore, Archbishop Ugorji advocates for technological advancements in security solutions to address the rising violence across communities. Overall, action is imperative to restore hope and dignity to Nigeria’s youth and to ensure the country’s stability.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org