Socio-Economic Impact of Unemployment Among the Youths in the FCT, Abuja-Nigeria: A Case Study of Abaji Area Council

Abstract

The research investigated the socio-economic impact of unemployment among the youths in the Federal Capital City of Abuja-Nigeria: using Abaji Area Council as a case study. The research also examines; the Socio-economic characteristic of the youths in Abaji Area Council; trend of unemployment rate; factors responsible for the unemployment as well as the effects of unemployment among the youths in the study area. Data were derived directly from the field using questionnaire administration method as well as field interview. At the end of the research, it was revealed that; lack of technical know-how, political affiliations, population explosion amongst others were the main causes of unemployment among the youths in Abaji Area Council. The study also showed that; increased crime rates, pressure on infrastructures and basic amenities, hunger and poverty, loss of confidence towards the government and social vices are consequences of youth unemployment in the study area.  Recommendations were proffered which include; tax reduction and tax holidays for production plants to reduce operating costs; reformation of educational system; ensuring graduates learn more practical issues and problems than theories; encourage vocational trainings in Abaji Area Council and empowering the youth; reforming the agricultural sector through modernization to attract graduates; investing in the industrial sector to increase capital formation and Growth of small and medium scale industries by the Government, amongst others.

Keywords: Youth unemployment, industry, agriculture, economic activities, population explosion, political affiliations, social vices, policies, infrastructures, amenities, tax, Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-6-13

Publication date:June 30^th 2019