Global Alliance for Youth Tackles Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

As the world celebrates International Youth Day 2021, five companies have come together under the Global Alliance for Youth to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria. With a staggering 62% of the population under the age of 25, Nigeria boasts one of the highest youth populations in the world. The Alliance, comprising Nestle Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, Big Bottling Company, and the United Nations Global Compact, aims to equip young people with the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Global Alliance for Youth Nigeria is a business-driven movement focused on providing young people with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.
  • According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 13.9 million young Nigerians were unemployed as of the second quarter of 2020.
  • The Alliance seeks to create opportunities for young Nigerians to reach their full potential as productive and contributive members of society.
  • Nestle Nigeria's CEO, Wassim Elhusseini, emphasized the critical need for the Alliance, citing the lack of opportunities as the primary challenge facing Nigeria's youth.
  • Big Bottling Company's HR Manager, Norena Francis, highlighted the importance of addressing youth unemployment, stating that "the future is now" and that deliberate actions are necessary to ensure the well-being of all mankind.
  • Jobberman Nigeria's CEO, Rolake Rosiji, expressed excitement about the Alliance, which will provide high-quality training and critical skills to enable youth to swiftly enter the workforce.
  • UN Global Compact Network Nigeria's Executive Director, Naomi Nwokolo, emphasized the need for stakeholders to pivot towards harnessing the powers and potentials of the youth demographic.

Statistics:

  • 62% of Nigeria's population is below the age of 25.
  • 13.9 million young Nigerians were unemployed as of the second quarter of 2020 (National Bureau of Statistics).
  • As of 2020, millions of young Nigerians are underemployed or in uncertain jobs.

Sources:

  • National Bureau of Statistics, "Unemployment Rate in Nigeria: Second Quarter 2020."
  • "Global Alliance for Youth Nigeria Launched to Tackle Youth Unemployment," a statement by Nestle Nigeria PLC, CEO Wassim Elhusseini.
  • "International Youth Day 2021: We are excited to be a part of the Alliance," a statement by Rolake Rosiji, CEO, Jobberman Nigeria.
  • "International Youth Day: We join the rest of the world in celebrating this year's International Youth Day," a statement by Norena Francis, HR Manager, Big Bottling Company.
  • "Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, comments on the importance of addressing youth unemployment."