From: Daure David
In recent years, recruitment success has been trumpeted as a significant achievement by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Nigeria. This has generated mixed reactions from various quarters, with some arguing that recruitment should not be the ultimate metric for a thriving economy. However, before rushing to conclusions, it is essential to examine the broader context — particularly the state of industries in the country. Have industries been thriving, or has Nigeria experienced a decline in its industrial capacity over the last decade?
A Decade of Industrial Decline and Stagnation
Over the last ten years, Nigeria’s industrial landscape has faced significant challenges. The country's industrial output, which was once an engine for job creation and economic growth, has witnessed stagnation and, in some cases, outright decline. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), many key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services, have experienced varying levels of decline.
Manufacturing, for example, has been particularly hard hit, with several companies either scaling back or completely shutting down operations. This can be attributed to several factors including the high cost of electricity, unstable power supply, and an over-reliance on imported raw materials. For instance, Nigeria’s textile industry, once a major employer, has seen a marked decline, with many factories closing due to competition from cheaper imports and inadequate government support. Likewise, industries such as cement production and steel manufacturing have struggled with inconsistent government policies, corruption, and a lack of infrastructure.
Furthermore, the oil and gas sector, Nigeria’s primary economic driver, has been plagued by a combination of falling oil prices, mismanagement, and increased environmental concerns. While the industry continues to provide a significant portion of the country’s revenue, it has not yielded the employment opportunities that were once expected. With the country heavily reliant on oil exports, there has been little diversification into other sectors that could provide alternative avenues for employment.
Industry Shutdowns: The Cost of Unemployment
As industries have shut down, millions of Nigerians have found themselves out of work, especially the youth, who make up a large portion of the unemployed demographic. According to reports from the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria is estimated to be around 33%, a figure that has steadily risen over the past decade. Despite the APC government’s claim of creating jobs through recruitment, the truth remains that recruitment efforts have largely been concentrated in the public sector or short-term contract jobs, which are often not enough to address the broader issue of unemployment.
For example, recruitment drives that focus on the military, police, or civil service, though essential, often only provide temporary relief in terms of employment, without addressing the underlying problems in the industrial and private sectors. These initiatives might result in a temporary decrease in unemployment figures, but they do not provide sustainable employment opportunities in the long term. What is even more troubling is the fact that many of these jobs often come with poor remuneration and unfavorable working conditions, leaving many individuals without the financial stability required to live comfortable lives.
The Reality Behind Recruitment Success
Celebrating recruitment as an achievement risks overlooking the far-reaching implications of an underdeveloped industrial sector. While job creation in the public sector is important, it is critical to ask why industries are closing down and why job creation in the private sector, especially in manufacturing and services, has remained stagnant.
It is essential to note that the real key to sustainable economic growth and long-term job creation lies in reviving and nurturing the country's industrial sector. Industries have traditionally been the backbone of any thriving economy, but with the closure of many factories, lack of local production capabilities, and increasing reliance on imports, Nigeria’s industrial base has been eroded. Job creation needs to be measured not just by the number of recruitment drives but also by the vitality and capacity of Nigeria's industries to absorb its ever-growing population.
Industry Openings: What’s Left?
However, there are a few glimmers of hope. Some industries, particularly in technology and agribusiness, have seen a rise in investment and growth. Nigeria’s tech industry has attracted foreign investment, and a growing number of startups have emerged, generating employment opportunities. Additionally, the agribusiness sector has witnessed some revival with initiatives aimed at improving local production of food and reducing reliance on imports. However, these sectors, though promising, still account for a small fraction of the overall workforce, and their growth is far from enough to offset the wider losses experienced in manufacturing and heavy industries.
A Case of Misplaced Priorities?
It is imperative that the APC government refrains from celebrating recruitment as a grand achievement until a more comprehensive solution is found for the industrial stagnation that has gripped the nation. It is not enough to simply create jobs; these jobs need to be part of a broader, sustainable economic strategy that focuses on industrial expansion, diversification, and the creation of long-term opportunities for Nigerians.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s future lies in its ability to revive its industries, create jobs within the private sector, and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil. Until then, the applause for recruitment efforts will remain misplaced, as it fails to address the root cause of Nigeria’s employment crisis — the shrinking industrial base and the lack of genuine economic development. What is truly worth celebrating is the creation of an environment where industries are thriving, and jobs are not only abundant but sustainable.
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