Unemployment, Social Exclusion and Emerging Social Vices in Nigeria

Unemployment in Nigeria is alarming, and the active workforce is lamenting. The oversaturation of the Nigerian labour market, the socio-economic and political policies seem to make employment a mirage, causing emotional and physical distress, and subjective feelings of social exclusion. This paper assesses the effects of unemployment and social exclusion on the emerging social vices in Nigeria. The paper uses secondary data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Annual Report on unemployment, and the various reported crimes and social vices attributed to unemployment and the survival strategies of the unemployed. The results show that unemployment has very damaging effects on the subjective perception of social integration, access to economic resources, mental health, life or psycho-social goal fulfilment and higher self-efficacy of the unemployed. It was discovered that social vices like fraud, drug trafficking, kidnapping, ritual killing, armed robbery, banditry, fuel-pipe vandalism, prostitution, and desperation for offshore migration among others are the survival strategies of many of the unemployed. The paper suggests social inclusive policies that will improve the socio-economic and political situation of the country, which will reduce unemployment and the emerging social vices, enhance talent re-orientation, and utilization of the youth for individual fulfilment and national productivity.

Dimensions of Exclusion and Inclusion of Women in Nigeria

Uneven social progress among humankind over the past decades has fostered exclusion and has done little to promote inclusion. Inequality pervades economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental spheres, thus constituting systematic disadvantage for some social groups on the basis of their identity. Women are particularly at risk of social exclusion because of complex and intersectional factors that combine to reduce their participation in society. This paper using a desk research method by reviewing existing literature examines how women are excluded and their level of inclusion in three major interrelated domains: markets, services, and spaces. The paper argues that the continual exclusion of women in these domains reduces their productive capacity and the rate of reducing their poverty level, despite the existence of the Gender Equality Policy in Nigeria. Perceptions, practices, and norms are among the processes through which societies render them to subordinate status, and these have become formidable barriers to the full inclusion of women. The government interventions through policies have proved ineffective in this regard. The paper concludes that mainstreaming governance programmes or processes to ensure equality at all levels, must be seen as a political priority. Basic government services should be programmed to meet women’s needs

Gender and Inequalities in Access to Formal Education in Nigeria

It is on record that the scourge of poverty is more pronounced on the female gender than male in Nigeria. Education which is known worldwide as an instrument of development has not been sufficiently accessed by Nigerian women. Fewer women apply for entry to universities as a result of fewer girls completing secondary education and this problem has its roots in primary school. Men have greater access to high-paying, secure employment than women. This paper therefore attempts to examine the relationship between gender and inequalities in access to formal education in Nigeria. Education for women and girls at all levels, therefore, should aim at reversing the trend of gender discrimination by ensuring full empowerment of women in the true sense of raising their status.

Democracy and Challenges of Participation and Exclusion in Nigeria

Democracy is cherished because of the opportunities it offers people to contribute to issues affecting their lives. This reasoning accounts for the celebration when this form of government was restored in Nigeria in 1999 after protracted military dictatorships. In 2019 there were further jubilations over 20 unbroken years of democracy, the first since independence in 1960; issues of inclusion and exclusion were not mentioned. Yet, there are widespread exclusion of ethnic minorities and women through which their participation in running for office is circumscribed by circumstances of birth. Experiences in Plateau and Benue States are used as illustrations. It is here contended that until more deliberate efforts are made to include everyone, Nigeria’s brand of democracy will continue to exclude ethnic minorities and women. The dominant mantra of ‘majority carries the vote’ only aggravates the problem, a deliberate policy to resolve exclusion is necessary. Rwanda has led the way in gender inclusion, just as the USA had also shown that through policy reforms such as universal suffrage and affirmative action, African Americans and other minorities can become part of the mainstream, even producing a President and recently, 2021, the Vice President.

Impact of National Social Investment Programmes on Poverty and Youth Unemployment in Plateau State, 2016-2019

Poverty and unemployment are on the increase in Nigeria. In recognition of this situation, the Federal Government in 2016 introduced four key social investment programmes which include the Conditional Cash Transfer, N-Power, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme to reduce the poverty level and promote inclusiveness. However, there are questions about the adequacy and transformative capacity of the programmes because they are alleged to be shrouded in controversies of politics, corruption, and defective implementation strategies. Against this backdrop, the essay examined the impact of these programmes on poverty and youth employment in Plateau State. Secondary and primary data were obtained from the State office of the social investment programme and two major markets in the Jos North and South Local Government areas respectively. Findings revealed inconsistencies in the implementation as it was characterised by fraudulent and sharp practices on the part of officers in charge of disbursement of funds; cumbersome bank process in accessing the Marketmoni component of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and non-involvement of market officials for adequate flow of information. The study recommends less cumbersome and more transparent processes to check corrupt practices and other excesses of officials.

Intersectionality, Relativity and Multiple Deprivation in Upper Saponba Area, Benin City, Nigeria

Intersectionality is discussed as a harvest of multiple disadvantages and deprivations by majority of urbanites. Parameters of disadvantage include cash poverty, poor health, lack of electricity, water and sanitation, proneness to crime and illiteracy, unemployment and underemployment. The study adopted a mixed method model and proceeded with a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 1022 respondents in Upper Saponba area, the largest slum district in Benin City, southern Nigeria. Supplementary data were collected through in-depth interview with a purposive sample of 10 community members. Results seem to negate the culture of poverty hypothesis even as many poor residents express despair on the prospects of a good life in the city. This desolation coincides with new public policy by which governments withdraw from public space in the face of increasing poverty. We conclude that social intersectionality in urban Africa is a simultaneity of poverty and deprivations exacerbated by exclusionary public policies. Effectual public policy will depend on a recognition of the inter-linkages between parameters of disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion.

The effect of the Pace of Gender Revolution on Fertility Transition in West Africa: A Comparative Analysis

The influence of the pace of gender revolution on fertility change in West Africa is examined. Data from two waves of Demographic and Health Survey(DHS)pertaining to 11 countries are analysed using descriptive tools and Poisson regression. The analysis demonstrates the emergence of gender revolution, defined as the emergence of an era where women embrace opportunities in education and labour market, thereby getting involved in the public sphere, at varying degrees across West Africa. A negative and significant association exists between gender revolution and fertility indicator in almost all the countries (p<0.05). Countries that experienced a decline in fertility showed relatively higher percentage increase in either high or medium gender revolution. Chad and Niger, where fertility increased between the two waves of DHS, indicated the lowest levels of gender revolution. The findings suggest that the pace of gender revolution is a significant factor in the rate of fertility decline in West Africa. Therefore, investment in female education, hence, enhancing the social standard of the girl-child, and boosting the economy of respective countries to create employment, would make a significant contribution to fertility transition in West Africa.