HIGH RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND CRIME INCREASE IN NIGERIA

Mary C. Ezejughu (PhD)

Abstract


Crime situation in Nigeria is more intense in urban centres than rural areas due to high level of urban poverty, congestion, unemployment, cost of living, disorganization and moral decadence confronting urban system. The preponderance of urban crimes in Nigeria is a reflection of deprivation, marginalization and breakdown in infrastructure and amenities that are suppose to manage or control crime among urban residents. Violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism are the most inhumane crimes that continue to plague Nigeria. Lately, kidnappings for ransom and terrorism have taken the centre stage leading to bloodshed and economic set-backs. The causes are not farfetched as studies have associated rising youth unemployment to the increase in crimes. The youths are also the most volatile when their energies are misdirected or channeled into wrong endeavours. Available data show that youth employment is very rampant in Nigeria and this has contributed immensely to their involvement in criminal activities. The paper argues that criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, political thuggery, militancy and other social vices found among the unemployed and jobless youths have contributed greatly to the slow pace of development in Nigeria. The paper proffers that addressing youths’ unemployment will stop the tide of crime and foster rapid development in Nigeria. We find significantly negative effects of unemployment on high crime rates that are stable across model specifications.

Keywords


Youth, Unemployment, Crimes, Urbanization, Nigeria.

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