Yemi Obafemi
On International Workers’ Day, Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, lauded the resilience of Nigerian workers amid harsh economic realities, while calling for urgent investment in education, healthcare, and job creation to combat soaring unemployment and underemployment rates.
Obi stated this in a statement on his X handle.
He stated that Nigeria’s combined unemployment and underemployment rate exceeds 35%, with youth figures rising above 45%—one of the highest in the world—contributing significantly to the rise in criminal activities and social unrest.
The statement reads: “The struggles and harsh realities facing our dear workers in our nation, presently contending with severe economic and political challenges, are obvious. Despite these very challenging times, our Nigerian workers have continued to show resilience and commitment to the nation’s growth.
“Notwithstanding the recent reconfiguration of our economic indices, the reality is that today, Nigeria has unemployment and under-employment rate of over 35% and youth unemployment and under-employmemt rate of over 45% which is one of the highest globally, fueling all sorts of criminality and social vices.
“Aggressive investment in the productive population remains the best and fastest route to bridging this shortage of well-trained workers and moving our nation from consumption to production. This, as I have consistently maintained, we can achieve by investing in education, health and fighting poverty through job creation and support for small businesses.
“As a nation, we must create an environment that fosters growth, provides opportunities, and ensures fair compensation. We must recognize the dignity of labour and promote a culture of respect and appreciation for all workers.”
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to building a society that rewards productivity, integrity, and honest labour.
“Let us continue to work together towards a brighter future, where every worker can thrive and where their talents and skills will match their opportunities in life,” he concluded.
