Abuja, Nigeria: The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency on unemployment, proposing a N774 billion job creation initiative across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, delivered the call during a press briefing on the nation’s state. He emphasized the need to leverage key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, industry, and ICT to achieve inclusive growth and curb rising youth unemployment and crime.
Zikirullahi criticized the government’s reliance on measures like salary increases and conditional cash transfers, deeming them “insufficient” and vulnerable to waste and corruption. He cited programs like N-Power as examples and advocated for stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms in all public employment schemes.
The proposed N1 billion per LGA initiative aims to tailor job creation to the unique characteristics of each area, fostering sustainable development across the country. CHRICED believes this, coupled with enhanced transparency and targeted interventions in security and governance, can offer a more effective solution to Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
However, amidst these proposals, Zikirullahi expressed skepticism about the government’s recent economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation. He argued that these measures have significantly increased the cost of living for many Nigerians, causing undue hardship without addressing crucial underlying issues.
Despite the criticism, CHRICED concluded the briefing with a message of hope for the future. The organization urged Nigerians to persist in the face of adversity and continue speaking truth to power, drawing inspiration from the resilience of literary figure Okonkwo.
This development highlights the ongoing debate in Nigeria regarding economic policy, job creation, and governance. CHRICED’s call for a targeted and transparent approach to tackling unemployment presents a fresh perspective on an issue of critical importance to the nation’s future.
It remains to be seen whether the government will embrace CHRICED’s proposals or pursue its current course. Regardless, the organization’s initiative adds fuel to the conversation and underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address Nigeria’s pressing economic and social challenges.