Some stakeholders in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have expressed growing concern over the increasing migration of young people from the state to Algeria, Chad and the Niger Republic, attributing the trend to unemployment, economic hardship and what they described as poor leadership.
Speaking in an interview with The News Chronicle, a philosopher and economist, Comrade Umara Lawan, warned that the continuous exodus of youths in search of better economic opportunities could have serious consequences for the state’s security if urgent measures are not taken.
According to Lawan, the lack of employment opportunities for graduates and other young people has left many with no option but to seek greener pastures outside Nigeria.
“There are no job opportunities in Maiduguri, and the state is still battling the effects of terrorism. Thousands of graduates remain unemployed, yet there are no meaningful government recruitment exercises. That is why many of our youths are moving to neighbouring countries to hustle,” he said.
He noted that many young people who would ordinarily engage in small-scale businesses have also abandoned the state due to the harsh economic environment and limited access to support.
“There are hardly any thriving small-scale businesses in Maiduguri today because many youths have left for countries like Algeria in search of livelihoods. Meanwhile, politicians have occupied virtually every department and ministry in the state,” he alleged.
Lawan further claimed that employment into the state civil service is largely influenced by connections rather than merit, discouraging qualified graduates seeking opportunities.
“If you don’t know somebody in Borno State, you cannot get a government job. Even teaching, which is considered one of the least competitive jobs in Nigeria, has become difficult to secure if you lack political connections,” he said.
He argued that the growing frustration among unemployed youths is fueling migration and creating social challenges that could worsen if left unresolved.
“Our youths are frustrated, and that’s why they are travelling to other countries. At this point, Borno State does not need beautification projects alone; what we need is investment in human capital and employment opportunities,” he added.
Questioning the state’s development priorities, Lawan criticized the government’s continued investment in infrastructure while many residents struggle with poverty and hunger.
“How can the government continue constructing flyovers while the people are suffering from hunger and poverty?” he asked.
The economist warned that failure to address unemployment could have long-term security implications for the state.
“If the Borno State Government does not address unemployment within the next five years, the rate of crime and terrorism will continue to rise,” he warned.
He also expressed concern about the future of students currently pursuing higher education, saying many graduates face bleak employment prospects after completing their studies.
“What is the future of undergraduate students in our schools if they graduate and cannot find jobs? Why should getting employment depend on knowing someone?” he queried.
Lawan called on Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to make youth employment a top priority, urging the administration to implement policies that would create jobs, support entrepreneurship and provide hope for thousands of unemployed graduates across the state.
The concerns come amid increasing discussions about youth unemployment, economic hardship and irregular migration in northern Nigeria, with stakeholders urging governments at all levels to invest more in job creation, skills development and economic empowerment to discourage desperate migration and strengthen security.
