CORRELATION BETWEEN YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND HIGH CRIME RATE IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE

1.1 Background to the Study Youth, by virtue of their energy, creativity, and innovation, form a critical component of the labor force and are essential stakeholders in national development. However, the absence of stable income and the inability to secure means of livelihood can lead to disillusionment, potentially pushing unemployed youths toward criminal behavior. Current labor market data in Nigeria reflect a dismal reality: the country has a youthful population of roughly 80 million—constituting around 60 percent of the national population—of which approximately 64 million are unemployed, and 1.6 million are underemployed in roles that do not match their qualifications. Although many of these young people are willing and capable of working, they spend their days roaming in search of jobs that rarely exist (Aiyedogbon & Ohwofasa, 2020). The persistence of youth unemployment reflects a long-standing systemic decline influenced by several factors. These include an overdependence on oil revenues at the expense of agricultural development, the implementation of ill-conceived and unsustainable policies, rampant corruption among political and bureaucratic elites, and a formal education system that emphasizes white-collar employment while neglecting entrepreneurial skill development (Awogbenle & Iwuamadi, 2021). Successive governments in Nigeria have introduced various initiatives to curb unemployment and, by extension, reduce crime. However, these efforts have largely failed to make a meaningful impact on joblessness (Echebiri, 2019). The increasing incidence of criminal activities is thus closely linked to the high rate of youth unemployment, as a large segment of the population remains trapped in conditions of economic hardship and social instability. Given the scope and intensity of youth unemployment and its connection to rising crime rates, it is concerning that only a limited number of empirical studies have thoroughly investigated the relationship between these two critical societal issues. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Nigeria has long grappled with the twin challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment. Year after year, a large number of young people graduate from universities and other higher institutions only to find that viable job opportunities are virtually non-existent. Consequently, many of them turn to street trading and other informal activities to survive. While these individuals often possess the talent and qualifications to thrive in formal employment settings, their potential is stifled by a lack of opportunities (Echebiri, 2019). This situation has given rise to a trend where a significant number of youths engage in cybercrime and fraudulent activities, popularly referred to as "419," as well as various forms of internet scams such as “Yahoo Yahoo” and romance frauds. In the absence of gainful employment, many young people—both recent graduates and older individuals who have remained unemployed for extended periods—are drawn into these illegal ventures without fully considering the risks or ethical implications involved (Edward & Ezedike, 2020). The dilemma is further compounded by the fact that a large proportion of employed graduates are either working part-time or are engaged in jobs unrelated to their field of study. Many can be found working in factories, hawking on highways, managing small kiosks, or assisting in family-run food businesses. Despite their efforts, these individuals often endure exploitation and frustration, leading to feelings of resentment, disillusionment, and, eventually, desperation. It is therefore not surprising that some turn to fraudulent activities, including internet scams, as an alternative means of livelihood. 1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Study The general objective of the study is to examine the Impact of Unemployment on the Crime Rate in Nigeria: A Case Study of Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State. Specifically, the study will be guided under the following: i. To examine the reasons for unemployment in Nigeria. ii. To find out the effect of unemployment on the Nigerian economy iii. To assess how unemployment have significantly contributed towards crime rate in Nigeria. iv. To investigate level of crime rates due to unemployment in Nigeria. v. To determine if creating job opportunities can be used as a tool to minimize crime rate. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study: i. What are the reasons for unemployment in Nigeria? ii. What is the effect of unemployment on the Nigerian economy? iii. Have unemployment contributed significantly towards crime rate in Nigeria. iv. What is the level of crime rates due to unemployment in Nigeria? v. Can creation of job opportunities be used as a tool to minimize crime rate in Nigeria? 1.5 Research Hypotheses (if any) The following hypothesis have been formulated for the study: H01: The level of crime rates due to unemployment in Nigeria is low H02: Creation of job opportunities cannot be used as a tool to minimize crime rate in Nigeria. H03: Unemployment have not significantly contributed towards crime rate in Nigeria 1.6 Significance of the study This study is significant because it is expected to aid policy-makers on how to effectively combat youth unemployment in Nigeria. Apart from that, it will guide the government in particular to be better equipped to formulate strong macro-economic policies to cushion the effect of unemployment. Similarly, study will guide the unemployed youth to change their attitude and mind-set towards committing, instead show strong willingness to take advantage of the measures that government is putting in place to be self-employed and create jobs for others. By doing so, the society will be better off and equally provide crime-free society for foreign investment. Members of the society who take investment outside the shores of Nigeria will see the need to invest in the country and give employment to the teeming jobless youth. The study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature. 1.7 Scope of the study This study will examine the reasons for unemployment in Nigeria. The study will also find out the effect of unemployment on the Nigerian economy. The study will further investigate level of crime rates in Nigeria. More so, the study will assess how unemployment have significantly contributed towards crime rate in Nigeria. Lastly, the study will determine if creating job opportunities can be used as a tool to minimize crime rate. Hence the study will be delimited to Ojo local government Lagos State. 1.8 Limitations of the study As with many other research endeavors, this study encountered several challenges. One of the primary difficulties was the lack of readily available and accurate materials relevant to the topic under investigation, as well as the inability to obtain sufficient data. The researcher also faced financial limitations, which created obstacles in sourcing appropriate materials and in carrying out the printing and compilation of questionnaires. In addition, time constraints posed another significant challenge. The need to balance the demands of writing the research with other academic responsibilities made the research process particularly strenuous and demanding for the researcher. 1.9 Definition of term Unemployment: Unemployment is a term that refers to people who are willing to work and who are involved, but cannot get a job. This category includes those employees who live, but do not have a suitable career. Crime rate :An action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law