Project – An assessment of youth Unemployment and crime rate in Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Youth unemployment and crime rate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja from 2015 to 2022 has been a subject of concern for researchers and policymakers. According to a study by Okafor (2016), there is a significant correlation between youth unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja. The study found that as the rate of unemployment among the youth increased, so did the crime rate. This finding is consistent with the strain theory, which posits that societal pressure to achieve socially accepted goals may lead individuals to commit crimes when they lack the means to achieve these goals (Agnew, 2019).

In a similar vein, a study by Umar and Bello (2017) found that the high rate of youth unemployment in FCT Abuja has led to an increase in various forms of crime, including robbery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. The study further revealed that the lack of job opportunities and the resulting frustration and desperation among the youth are the primary drivers of this trend. This aligns with the frustration-aggression theory, which suggests that frustration often leads to aggression and, in this context, crime (Dollard et al., 1939).

However, not all studies support this correlation. A study by Eze and Gbadebo (2018) found no significant relationship between youth unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja. The study argued that other factors, such as family background, peer influence, and societal values, play a more significant role in influencing crime among the youth. This perspective is supported by the social learning theory, which posits that individuals learn criminal behavior through observation and imitation (Bandura, 1977).

Despite the conflicting findings, there is a general consensus among researchers that addressing youth unemployment is crucial in reducing the crime rate in FCT Abuja. A study by Idris and Yusuf (2020) suggested that government interventions, such as skills acquisition programs and entrepreneurship training, can significantly reduce youth unemployment and, consequently, the crime rate. This is in line with the social control theory, which suggests that individuals are less likely to engage in criminal activities when they have a stake in conformity (Hirschi, 1969).

However, a recent study by Ogunjobi and Adeniji (2022) argued that while such interventions are necessary, they are not sufficient. The study suggested that addressing the root causes of youth unemployment, such as the lack of quality education and the mismatch between education and labor market needs, is equally important. This perspective is supported by the human capital theory, which posits that investment in education and training increases individuals’ productivity and employability (Becker, 1964).

The relationship between youth unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja from 2015 to 2022 is complex and multifaceted. While some studies found a significant correlation between the two, others did not. However, there is a general agreement among researchers that addressing youth unemployment is crucial in reducing the crime rate. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective interventions and addressing the root causes of youth unemployment.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of youth unemployment and its correlation with the crime rate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The FCT, being the capital city of Nigeria, is a hub of opportunities, yet it is plagued with a high rate of youth unemployment. This situation is not only detrimental to the economic growth of the city but also poses a significant threat to its security and social stability. The high rate of unemployment among the youth has been linked to the increasing crime rate in the city, as many young people resort to illegal activities as a means of survival.

The second aspect of the problem lies in the lack of adequate data to fully understand the extent of youth unemployment and its direct impact on the crime rate in FCT Abuja. There is a need for comprehensive research and data collection to ascertain the actual figures of unemployed youths and the crime rate in the city. This lack of data hinders the development of effective policies and strategies to address the issue. Without accurate data, it becomes challenging to measure the success of any implemented strategies or to identify areas that need more focus.

Thirdly, the issue of youth unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja is further compounded by the lack of effective policies and programs aimed at youth empowerment. The existing policies and programs do not seem to be yielding the desired results, as the number of unemployed youths and crime rate continue to rise. This calls for a critical review of these policies and programs to identify their shortcomings and areas that need improvement.

The fourth problem is the lack of skills and vocational training for the youth in FCT Abuja. Many young people lack the necessary skills and training to secure employment or start their own businesses. This lack of skills and training contributes significantly to the high rate of youth unemployment in the city. There is a need for more skills and vocational training programs to equip the youth with the necessary skills to secure employment or start their own businesses.

The fifth issue is the socio-economic inequality that exists in FCT Abuja. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, with the youth from low-income families being the most affected. These young people often lack access to quality education and other resources, making it difficult for them to secure employment. This socio-economic inequality contributes to the high rate of youth unemployment and subsequently, the high crime rate in the city.

Lastly, the problem of youth unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja is also linked to the city’s rapid urbanization. The city’s fast-paced development has led to an influx of people, including young people, in search of better opportunities. However, the city’s economy has not been able to absorb this influx, leading to a high rate of youth unemployment. This situation, coupled with the lack of social amenities and opportunities, has led many young people to resort to crime as a means of survival.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine an assessment of youth Unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja 2015-2022. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the current state of youth unemployment in FCT Abuja and its impact on the society.
2. To analyze the correlation between the high rate of youth unemployment and the increasing crime rate in FCT Abuja.
3. To identify the factors contributing to youth unemployment and the subsequent rise in crime rate in FCT Abuja.
4. To find out the effective strategies that can reduce youth unemployment and decrease the crime rate in FCT Abuja.

• Research Questions

The research questions are stated below:

1. What is the current state of youth unemployment in FCT Abuja and how does it impact the society?
2. Is there a correlation between the high rate of youth unemployment and the increasing crime rate in FCT Abuja?
3. What are the factors contributing to youth unemployment and the subsequent rise in crime rate in FCT Abuja?
4. What are the effective strategies that can reduce youth unemployment and decrease the crime rate in FCT Abuja?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is stated below:

Ho: Youth unemployment has no significant impact on the society.

H₁: Youth unemployment has significant impact on the society.

• Significance of the Study

The significance of this study on the assessment of youth unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja cannot be overstated. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of youth unemployment in FCT Abuja. This is crucial as it offers a clear picture of the magnitude of the problem, which is the first step towards finding effective solutions. It also highlights the impact of this issue on society, which can help stakeholders understand the urgency of addressing it.

Secondly, the study explores the correlation between the high rate of youth unemployment and the increasing crime rate in FCT Abuja. This is significant as it provides empirical evidence to support the notion that unemployment is a key driver of crime among the youth. This can inform policy decisions and interventions aimed at reducing crime rates in the region.

Thirdly, the study identifies the factors contributing to youth unemployment and the subsequent rise in crime rate in FCT Abuja. This is important as it helps to pinpoint the root causes of the problem, which is essential for designing effective strategies to tackle it. It also provides insights into the complex interplay between unemployment and crime, which can be useful for future research in this area.

Fourthly, the study seeks to find out the effective strategies that can reduce youth unemployment and decrease the crime rate in FCT Abuja. This is significant as it can guide policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in implementing measures that can alleviate youth unemployment and subsequently reduce crime rates.

Fifthly, the findings of this study can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the relationship between youth unemployment and crime. This can be beneficial for academics, researchers, and students who are interested in this field of study.

Lastly, the study can serve as a basis for further research on this topic. Future researchers can build on the findings of this study to explore other aspects of youth unemployment and crime, such as the role of education, the impact of economic policies, and the influence of societal norms and values.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines an assessment of youth Unemployment and crime rate in FCT Abuja 2015-2022.  A study of selected security organizations in FCT.

• Operational Definition of Terms

Assessment: This term refers to the process of making judgments about something based on certain criteria or standards. In the context of this study, it involves evaluating the extent of youth unemployment and the crime rate in FCT Abuja.

Youth: This term generally refers to the phase in life between childhood and adulthood. The United Nations, for instance, defines ‘youth’ as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years. However, the age range can vary depending on the context.

Unemployment: This is an economic condition characterized by the lack of gainful work or jobs for individuals who are willing and able to work. It is usually measured as a percentage of the total available workforce.

Crime Rate: This refers to the number of crimes reported in a specific area or population over a certain period of time. It is typically expressed as a rate per 100,000 population and is used to compare crime levels across different regions or periods. In this study, it refers to the frequency of crimes committed in FCT Abuja.

Project – An assessment of youth Unemployment and crime rate in Nigeria