The World Bank has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, highlighting the urgent need to address the country’s escalating youth unemployment crisis and the chronic underinvestment in human capital development. In a recent economic report, the international financial institution emphasized that failure to act decisively could have long-term repercussions for Nigeria’s socio-economic stability and growth trajectory.
According to the World Bank’s analysis, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate remains among the highest globally, with millions of young people lacking access to quality education, vocational training, and job opportunities. The report underscored that the country’s growing population of young people—often referred to as a "youth bulge"—represents both a challenge and a potential demographic dividend, but only if investments are made in education, health, and job creation.
“Nigeria is at a pivotal moment,” World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. “Without immediate and sustained efforts to improve the quality of human capital and expand employment opportunities for youth, the country risks not only economic stagnation but also heightened social unrest and a deepening of poverty levels.”
The World Bank called on Nigerian policymakers to prioritize structural reforms, including strengthening education systems, investing in healthcare, and promoting private sector-led job creation through entrepreneurship and digital innovation. The institution also highlighted the need for better fiscal governance and transparency to ensure that public funds are directed toward impactful human capital projects.