The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to launch a nationwide employment programme aimed at tackling rising youth unemployment and reviving industries capable of creating large numbers of jobs.

The lawmakers made the call after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Billy Osawaru, representing Edo State. Osawaru argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are closely connected to the lack of sustainable economic opportunities for many young people.

According to him, issues such as kidnapping, banditry, cultism and youth restiveness cannot be tackled through security operations alone without addressing the economic conditions that leave young Nigerians without viable livelihoods.

Lawmakers Push for Textile Industry Revival

A major part of the proposal is the revival of Nigeria’s textile industry, particularly in Kaduna, which was once a major centre of textile production.

Osawaru noted that Nigeria had more than 160 textile mills between the 1970s and 1990s, while Kaduna alone reportedly hosted more than 10 textile companies.

The House therefore urged the Ministries of Agriculture, Trade and Investment, and Solid Minerals Development to support efforts to restore textile manufacturing in Kaduna and other parts of the country.

It also proposed restrictions on the importation of used clothing and called for stronger enforcement of local-content requirements for uniforms and clothing purchased by schools, security agencies and the National Youth Service Corps.

Lawmakers said stimulating local demand could encourage investment and create employment throughout the cotton, textile, garment and distribution value chains.

One Million Jobs Through Agro-Processing

Agriculture and agro-processing were also identified as sectors with significant potential for rapid job creation.

The House called for the establishment of modern storage facilities and agro-processing clusters across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with implementation targeted within 12 to 24 months.

Osawaru said inadequate storage and processing facilities contribute to substantial post-harvest losses, while insecurity has restricted farmers’ access to large areas of agricultural land.

He said investment in storage and processing infrastructure could reduce waste and generate about one million direct jobs or more, while creating additional opportunities for farmers, transporters, processors and other businesses connected to the agricultural value chain.

Proposed Manufacturing Fund for SMEs

The lawmakers also called for the creation of a Manufacturing Revival Fund to provide low-interest financing to small and medium-sized businesses that meet specified local-sourcing and youth-employment targets.

The proposed fund would involve collaboration between the Federal Government, the Bank of Industry and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Focus on Solid Minerals

The House further called for reforms in the solid minerals sector, including amendments to the Mining Act to formalise artisanal mining.

Other proposals include establishing six mineral-processing zones and improving security around mining communities.

Osawaru said Nigeria possesses more than 44 types of minerals, which he valued at about $700 billion, but noted that the sector currently contributes only a small share of the country’s GDP.

Employment and Security

The broader argument behind the proposals is that economic development and security should be addressed together.

The House maintained that expanding opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, textiles and mining could increase employment, strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on imported goods.

The lawmakers consequently urged the Federal Government to make youth employment a national priority and pursue a coordinated strategy focused on rebuilding productive industries and expanding sustainable economic opportunities.

Source: THEWILL; rewritten and independently structured for publication.

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