How to tackle youth restiveness

By Umar Usman Duguri

Nigeria is widely recognised as one of the countries with the largest youth populations in the world. With millions of energetic, creative, and ambitious young people, the nation possesses a significant demographic advantage capable of driving economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainable development. However, this potential has increasingly been overshadowed by the growing challenge of youth restiveness across the country.

From political violence and cultism to banditry, kidnapping, militancy, cybercrime, and violent protests, the manifestations of youth restiveness have become increasingly pronounced over the years. Although security agencies are often deployed to restore order after unrest occurs, the underlying causes of the problem are frequently left insufficiently addressed. Many analysts contend that successive governments at all levels have not made consistent or adequate investments in addressing the structural conditions that contribute to youth frustration.

Youth restiveness seldom emerges suddenly. It is typically the result of prolonged economic hardship, unemployment, social exclusion, weak institutions, and declining public confidence. When these conditions persist without meaningful intervention, frustration can gradually give way to anger and, in some cases, destructive conduct.

One of the most commonly cited drivers is unemployment. Each year, thousands of graduates and school leavers enter the labour market only to find that available opportunities fall far short of demand. Even among those who secure employment, underemployment and low wages remain widespread. As a result, many young Nigerians struggle to establish stable livelihoods despite having qualifications and skills.

Closely linked to this is poverty. For many households, rising living costs have outpaced incomes, making daily survival increasingly difficult. Economic hardship often renders young people vulnerable to recruitment by criminal gangs, extremist groups, political actors seeking to mobilise violence, or other networks that promise quick financial gain.

Education, another essential pillar of national development, has also faced persistent challenges. Frequent disruptions, inadequate infrastructure, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technical and vocational training have weakened the ability of educational institutions to equip many young people for a competitive labour market. Where education does not translate into employable skills, frustration is likely to increase.

Many communities also express concern over insufficient investment in youth development programmes. Although governments have periodically introduced employment initiatives, entrepreneurship schemes, and empowerment programmes, critics often argue that implementation has been inconsistent, underfunded or limited in scope. Consequently, many intended beneficiaries remain excluded.

Political participation presents another significant concern. Young Nigerians increasingly demand meaningful involvement in governance beyond serving as campaign volunteers or election-day mobilisers. While reforms such as the Not Too Young To Run movement have expanded political opportunities, many youths still perceive barriers to leadership due to financial constraints, entrenched political structures, and limited access to decision-making spaces.

Official responses to youth unrest have often been dominated by security measures. While maintaining law and order is a legitimate responsibility of government, relying primarily on enforcement without addressing underlying socio-economic grievances may only provide temporary relief. Sustainable peace requires prevention-oriented policies alongside security operations.

Another area that warrants attention is the quality of public infrastructure. In many communities, inadequate roads, electricity, healthcare facilities, recreational centres, and digital infrastructure contribute to a sense of neglect. These deficiencies limit economic opportunities and weaken social cohesion, particularly in rapidly expanding urban and semi-urban areas.

Drug abuse has also emerged as both a cause and consequence of youth restiveness. Substance abuse impairs judgment, increases vulnerability to criminal activity and undermines productivity. Although governments and relevant agencies have intensified awareness campaigns in some areas, treatment and rehabilitation services remain limited relative to the scale of the problem.

Corruption continues to feature prominently in public discourse surrounding youth frustration. Many citizens believe that resources allocated for development do not always translate into visible improvements in public services. Whether accurate in specific instances or not, perceptions of poor accountability can erode trust in public institutions and deepen disillusionment among young people.

The consequences of prolonged youth restiveness are severe. Insecurity discourages investment, disrupts education, damages businesses and infrastructure, reduces agricultural productivity and places additional pressure on already overstretched security agencies. Communities affected by recurring violence often experience displacement, declining commercial activity and weakened social trust.

Beyond its economic implications, youth restiveness poses a threat to national unity. Ethnic, religious and political tensions can become more pronounced when young people are mobilized for divisive purposes. This undermines efforts to build an inclusive society in which diversity is regarded as a strength rather than a source of conflict.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive national strategy. Governments at the federal, state and local levels should prioritise large-scale job creation through support for agriculture, manufacturing, technology, renewable energy and small businesses. Expanding vocational education and digital skills training can improve employability while encouraging entrepreneurship.

Public investment in education must also remain a priority. Modern classrooms, functional laboratories, qualified teachers and curricula aligned with labour market needs are essential if education is to serve as a genuine pathway to economic opportunity.

Greater transparency and accountability in public spending can further strengthen public confidence. Citizens are more likely to support government initiatives when they see clear evidence that resources are being managed effectively and equitably.

Private-sector collaboration is equally important. Businesses can contribute through internships, apprenticeships, graduate recruitment, mentorship, and support for innovation hubs. Civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and religious leaders also have important roles to play in promoting peace, dialogue and civic responsibility.

Young people themselves must be recognised not merely as beneficiaries of policy but as partners in development. Their participation in governance, community initiatives, and policy discussions should be encouraged through structured engagement rather than occasional consultation during election periods.

Ultimately, the challenge of youth restiveness cannot be resolved through security measures alone. Lasting peace depends on creating an environment in which young Nigerians believe that hard work, education and entrepreneurship offer realistic pathways to success. As opportunities expand, the appeal of violence diminishes.

Nigeria possesses the human capital needed to become one of Africa’s leading economies. Unlocking that potential requires sustained commitment to inclusive development, responsive governance and strategic investment in young people. The cost of neglect is too high, while the benefits of meaningful action extend far beyond the present generation.

The future of Nigeria will be shaped largely by how effectively it empowers its youth today. Ignoring the structural causes of youth restiveness risks perpetuating cycles of insecurity and underdevelopment. Addressing those causes with consistency, transparency and determination offers a far more credible path toward national stability, prosperity and lasting peace.

Umar Usman Duguri writes in from Damaturu, Yobe state.