Na Wahala Dey Come: How Young Nigerians Fit Survive Global Job Crisis

Photo: The Punch

My people, make I tell una wetin dey ground. The World Bank just drop one report wey go make anybody wey dey look for work shiver small. According to their findings, we dey face one massive job crisis globally - we're talking about 1.2 billion young people worldwide competing for jobs, but only 400 million job opportunities available. That's 800 million jobs shortfall! Chai!

For Nigeria where unemployment don already reach dangerous levels, this news na serious matter. With our population of over 200 million people and youth making up about 70% of that number, we fit say we dey inside the eye of this storm.

Wetin This Crisis Mean for Naija Youth

Let me break am down for you. Nigeria already get unemployment rate of about 33% according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Now imagine say the whole world dey compete for the same few jobs available. E mean say our young graduates wey don already dey struggle to find work go face even more competition.

The tech sector wey many of our young people dey run to for salvation sef dey experience its own wahala. Even companies like Meta, Twitter (now X), and Google don lay off thousands of workers globally. Some of these people go definitely look towards emerging markets like Nigeria, making the competition even tougher.

But no be only white-collar jobs dey affected o. The World Bank talk am clear say this crisis go affect all sectors - from agriculture to manufacturing, from services to digital economy. Even the informal sector where many Nigerians dey hustle go feel the heat.

The Real Talk: Why Nigeria Dey Particularly Vulnerable

Make I no sugar-coat anything for you. Nigeria get some specific challenges wey make this global crisis even worse for us:

• Population Explosion: Every year, about 4 million young Nigerians dey enter the job market, but our economy no dey create enough opportunities
• Skills Mismatch: Many of our graduates no get the right skills wey employers dey look for in today's economy
• Infrastructure Deficit: Poor power supply, bad roads, and inadequate internet connectivity dey make it hard for businesses to grow and create jobs
• Limited Access to Capital: Young entrepreneurs find it difficult to access loans to start their own businesses

But E No Be End of the World: Survival Strategies for Young Nigerians

Listen, I know say this matter dey scary, but make we no dey panic. Instead, make we dey strategic. Here are some practical steps wey young Nigerians fit take to prepare for this wahala:

1. Skill Up Like Your Life Depend on It

The days when university degree alone fit guarantee you job don pass. You need to add relevant skills to your CV. Focus on:

• Digital Skills: Learn coding, digital marketing, data analysis, or graphic design. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and even YouTube get plenty free resources
• Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills never go out of style
• Language Skills: Being fluent in English and maybe one international language like French, Spanish, or Mandarin fit open doors

2. Think Entrepreneurship, Not Just Employment

Instead of only looking for job, why not create your own? I know say e no easy, but with the right mindset and planning:

• Start small - even if na selling recharge cards or food items
• Use social media to market your products or services
• Join entrepreneur groups and networks for mentorship and support
• Look into government programs like N-Power, YouWin, and Bank of Industry schemes

3. Network Like Your Future Depend on It (Because E Dey)

In Nigeria, 'who you know' still matter pass 'what you know' sometimes. Build genuine relationships within and outside your field. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and maintain active LinkedIn presence.

4. Consider Alternative Career Paths

No put all your eggs in one basket. Consider careers in:

• Agriculture and agro-processing
• Renewable energy
• Healthcare and eldercare
• Creative industries (Nollywood, music, fashion)
• Logistics and e-commerce

The Government and Private Sector Get Work to Do

While we dey advise young people wetin to do, make we no forget say government and private sector get major roles to play. The World Bank recommend strategies like investing in education and skills development, supporting small and medium enterprises, and creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Companies like Dangote Group, MTN Nigeria, and Guaranty Trust Bank need to step up their graduate trainee programs and youth employment initiatives. Government sef need to take job creation seriously - not just campaign promises.

Final Word: No Give Up!

Yes, the statistics dey scary, and the future uncertain. But remember say Nigerians na survivors. We don survive military rule, economic recession, and even COVID-19. This job crisis go challenge us, but e no go finish us.

The key na to stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay hopeful. Start today - learn that new skill, register for that course, or start that small business idea wey you don dey think about.

As our people dey talk, 'na small small dey build house.' Make we start building our future today, one skill, one connection, one opportunity at a time. This crisis fit turn to opportunity for those wey dey prepared!