Survey: 73% of Nigerian Youths Consider Leaving Nigeria

Seventy-three percent of young Nigerians are considering leaving the country, largely because of unemployment, limited economic opportunities and poor access to capital, according to the Nigerian Youth Pulse Survey.

The survey, which covered more than 100 young Nigerians, was unveiled in Abuja at a dialogue organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Youth Advisory Committee to mark International Youth Day.

Its findings showed that the desire to emigrate was driven less by the pursuit of a foreign dream than by the search for jobs, skills and sustainable livelihoods.

Among respondents seeking stable incomes, 60.9 percent identified lack of capital and access to finance as their biggest obstacle, while 49.1 percent pointed to inadequate job opportunities.

Skills gaps accounted for 42.7 percent of responses, while 37.3 percent cited a weak business environment, including high interest rates and limited access to credit.

The survey, however, indicated that improved economic conditions could change the decision of many young Nigerians to leave. About 85.5 percent said they would prefer to remain in Nigeria if better economic opportunities were available.

The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, said the findings demonstrated that young Nigerians wanted functional systems and opportunities at home rather than an exit route.

He said unemployment ranked above insecurity as a major factor behind the youth emigration trend, adding that a stronger economy could provide reasons for more young Nigerians to stay.

The survey also linked unemployment to insecurity, with respondents supporting a “jobs before policing” approach to national security. They argued that economic exclusion increases vulnerability to crime alongside weak law enforcement.

To tackle the financing challenge, the report urged the government and financial institutions to develop more inclusive funding models for young entrepreneurs by reducing collateral requirements and simplifying loan applications.

It also recommended greater use of mobile technology and mentorship programmes to widen access to finance.

On employment, the report called for a shift away from training programmes focused mainly on certificates towards initiatives that lead directly to income.

It recommended stronger partnerships between employers and training providers, paid work-based learning and commercial agribusiness initiatives.

The report further proposed entry-level hiring quotas and tax incentives for companies that employ young Nigerians.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, said the findings could assist government in shaping policy.