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Youth Unemployment and Economy of Insecurity in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State (2020-2025)
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Political Economy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717395
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between youth unemployment, economic growth, and insecurity in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, between 2020 and 2025. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews involving community leaders and security personnel. Findings reveal that youth unemployment remains widespread and is a major driver of insecurity, as economic hardship, poverty, and frustration push many youths into criminal activities such as robbery, cultism, and cybercrime. Slow economic growth, weak infrastructure, and inadequate government interventions further exacerbate the situation by limiting job opportunities and discouraging investment. The study also finds that corruption and poor policy implementation weaken institutional capacity to effectively address these challenges. Respondents emphasized that vocational training, entrepreneurship support, infrastructure development, and access to microcredit are critical for stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment. Additionally, collaborative efforts involving government, security agencies, and community actors were identified as essential for improving security outcomes. The study concludes that insecurity in Owerri West is fundamentally linked to socio-economic deprivation and governance failures. Addressing these issues requires integrated and sustainable strategies focused on job creation, inclusive economic policies, and transparent governance. The findings contribute to existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the nexus between unemployment, economic stagnation, and insecurity in a sub-national Nigerian context.
Keywords
Youth Unemployment, Economic Growth, Insecurity, Governance, Owerri West LGA
How to cite this paper
@article{1717395,
author = {Ibrahim Gayam Meeqhaeel El-kas, Oji Ujah Oji, Duru Kizito T. O.},
title = {Youth Unemployment and Economy of Insecurity in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State (2020-2025)},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {11},
pages = {1164-1178},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1717395.pdf},
abstract = {This study examines the relationship between youth unemployment, economic growth, and insecurity in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, between 2020 and 2025. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews involving community leaders and security personnel. Findings reveal that youth unemployment remains widespread and is a major driver of insecurity, as economic hardship, poverty, and frustration push many youths into criminal activities such as robbery, cultism, and cybercrime. Slow economic growth, weak infrastructure, and inadequate government interventions further exacerbate the situation by limiting job opportunities and discouraging investment. The study also finds that corruption and poor policy implementation weaken institutional capacity to effectively address these challenges. Respondents emphasized that vocational training, entrepreneurship support, infrastructure development, and access to microcredit are critical for stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment. Additionally, collaborative efforts involving government, security agencies, and community actors were identified as essential for improving security outcomes. The study concludes that insecurity in Owerri West is fundamentally linked to socio-economic deprivation and governance failures. Addressing these issues requires integrated and sustainable strategies focused on job creation, inclusive economic policies, and transparent governance. The findings contribute to existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the nexus between unemployment, economic stagnation, and insecurity in a sub-national Nigerian context.},
keywords = {Youth Unemployment, Economic Growth, Insecurity, Governance, Owerri West LGA},
month = {May},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717395}
}