Presidency expresses worry over crisis of youth bulge

The Presidency yesterday expressed concerned over the impending crisis of youth bulge, saying the challenge should not be left to the military and security agencies alone.

According to the Presidency, kidnapping for ransoms, armed robbery, insurgency and terrorism have in recent times dominated national security discourses due to the large number of youths involved in crimes and criminality.

National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Muhammadu Buhari Major General Babagana Monguno (retd) made the remarks at the National Defence College, Abuja,  during a national security seminar with the theme: “Youth bulge in Nigeria: Implications for national security.”

The seminar was organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Defence College, Abuja.

Monguno said the youth in various countries are rapidly increasing in population and most of them who are unemployed have become willing hands to be used by criminal groups to perpetrate crimes.

The NSA, who was represented by Director, Counter Terrorism Desk in the ONSA, Rear Admiral Y.E.M. Musa, noted that “the increasing rate of criminality and involvement of the youth has been a major concern to security planners”.

“This is more so that the solution does not lie solely with the military. Everyone has a role to play towards gainfully engaging the youth beyond seeking white collar jobs. The private sector, civil society, youth leadership and entrepreneurial developers as well as philanthropists would need to take ownership of the solution to the challenges posed by increasing youth numbers.