House of Reps Calls for Youth Jobs Emergency in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a “National Youth Jobs Emergency” to tackle the rising youth unemployment in Nigeria. This demand followed a motion sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), who connected the country’s deteriorating security situation to the collapse of productive industries and lack of economic opportunities for youth.

Osawaru cited alarming statistics, including over 10,000 deaths and 7,500 kidnappings in 2024, and emphasized that economic conditions must be addressed to prevent youth from turning to crime. A key proposal is the revival of Nigeria’s textile industry, particularly in Kaduna, which once hosted over 160 textile mills.

The House urged relevant ministries to work on reviving textile production and called for a ban on the importation of used clothing to stimulate local demand and job creation across the textile value chain.