IBADAN – The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, has stressed the need for job creation in Nigeria, describing it as a front-burner-issue in the development of the country.
Dr Foluso Adeyinka of the institute’s Economic Policy Research Department said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Thursday.
Adeyinka said the problems of social vices such as armed robbery, drug and child trafficking, Boko Haram menace, among others could be attributed in part to the employment challenge.
“There is an attendant high level of insecurity occasioned by these problems.
“It continues to have a negative spillover effect on the development of the country and the attraction of foreign investors into the economy.
“The problem also leads to the migration of intellectual capital in search of greener pastures.
“To this extent, job creation must be viewed as a primary economic development goal that must continue to receive attention of all levels of government in collaboration with the private sector,’’ she said.
She emphasised that the creation of employment opportunities was essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development.
“It becomes crucial to provide decent jobs that secure both income and empowerment for the poor, especially women and younger people.’’
According to her, job creation is a proactive reaction to unemployment and in part a poverty reduction strategy.
“For peace to reign and Nigeria to move forward like other countries, the issue of unemployment must be put to serious consideration.
“The federal and state governments, private sectors and other stakeholders should set the issue of job creation as a priority goal.
“There is no point raising youths and graduates who will only end up roaming the streets,’’ she said. (NAN)
