Are youth the most vulnerable population in Nigeria? Yes, it is! Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood at 37.7 per cent at the end of 2022 and rose to 42.3 per cent by the end of 2023. Meanwhile, the population of Nigeria below the poverty line in 2023 was 40.1 per cent (83.5 million people). These stark statistics reflect the harsh reality for Nigerian youth! They suffer the most from unemployment, a collapsing economy, terrorism, low levels of education, and other problems in the country.

The number of jobs in Nigeria is constantly declining, and many young people cannot find income sources. To escape from the difficult situation, at least for a short time, they plunge into the world of various addictions – computer games, gambling, drugs, etc. However, with a responsible approach, computer titles and the best Gamblorium casino games can become an exciting hobby and an opportunity to hit the jackpot. As for narcotic substances, the aftereffects are dangerous.

Currently, NG young people are increasingly interested in nitric oxide. It is intended for patients during dental treatment. However, it has now become a popular recreational drug among Nigerian youth. It has neither colour nor odour and is consumed through inhalation from a balloon. High concentration is calming, creates a feeling of euphoria, and makes you happy. But this effect does not last long. To continue experiencing euphoria, addicts have to inhale gas from cylinders over and over again.

What are nitric oxides using consequences?

Most users claim that it has no side effects. However, clinics gradually stopped its use due to possible memory impairment and disorientation. Additionally, when used, the gas is administered along with oxygen to keep potential side effects to a minimum. Abuse of nitric oxide can lead to loss of consciousness, hallucinations, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death. Research shows that long-term consumption of N2O also leads to vitamin B12 deficiency and other neurological disorders.

Unfortunately, most of the youths in Nigeria who abuse nitric oxide are not aware of its effects. Those who are in the know don’t want to stop because the substance gives them a few minutes of hope and allows them to take their mind off their problems. In addition, the gas is expensive. A tank costs around ₦100,000 (about $70) – so, most young people have to shell out the money to buy one, inflate one or two balloons and pass them around. Due to the desperate situation during the crisis, most young people can barely afford basic needs such as housing, clothing, and food.

Government measures to protect youth in Nigeria

In October 2023, food inflation in Nigeria reached 31.52 per cent. So, it is difficult for Nigerians to afford basic food items, and they are forced to take out loans just to make ends meet. The situation of unemployed NG youth is even more dire. Besides, at the end of 2023, Nigeria’s inflation rate was 17.38 per cent (the highest in the last 17 years). The economic crisis could worsen further as the naira continues to plummet and the country faces massive loan repayments. Due to the depressing prospects, Nigerian youth are plunging into the addictions described above.

However, the NDLEA said the country had made significant progress in 2023 combating nitric oxide. The agency has launched campaigns in schools and on social media. They aim to promote the N2O dangers. NDLEA is confident it can persuade more young people to ditch gas and bring down the statistics. Currently, more than a third of young people in the country use drugs.

As for gambling, the NLRC forces the suppliers to implement responsible gaming strategies. This includes verifying the age of participants, offering self-exclusion options, and betting/loss limits. Nodar Giorgadze states that such measures will help prevent gambling addiction among youth.

Is there a solution to youth problems in Nigeria?

In February 2023, Nigeria elected a new president. There has been a change in the country’s leadership. Bola Tinubu was elected the new president of Nigeria. The vote’s results corresponded to an informal agreement between the North and South of Nigeria to rotate their representatives to the highest government position. So, after Buhari (the northerner), Tinubu (the southerner) came to power. However, it is unlikely that this will help the country cope with the crisis and improve young people’s living standards and education.

So, more than a year has passed since Tinubu was elected president. Nigeria is experiencing its worst economic crisis in recent years. Tinubu started with a decision to remove fuel subsidies. Thus, it led to a sharp rise in prices and the cost of living. Moreover, in early May 2024, the CBN asked financial institutions to charge 0.5 per cent per wire transfer to raise funds to improve NG cybersecurity. The tax was supposed to take effect within five days. Many Nigerians condemned the step and said it would force them to return to using cash. Therefore, Bola Tinubu suspended the implementation of this tax. 

The behaviour of the ruling parties largely mars the history of Nigeria. This has hurt economic growth and development. Continued poverty, compounded by severe youth unemployment, is an obstacle to strengthening democracy in Nigeria. A society of parasitic beggars and bandits can hardly evolve. Youth unemployment has been and remains a major social problem in Nigeria. Despite political protests against unemployment, the country’s negative statistics are still staggering.

So, young people who do not seek salvation in drugs and crime see migration as a working survival strategy and a way to escape poverty and hopelessness. The main motive for migration is the desire to get to the West, where life seems ideal. Young Nigerians believe that they will live in better conditions there. The West has uninterrupted electricity, favourable weather conditions, quality food, and relative safety.