Raphael Oni
In a stark warning, a Nigerian member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Paschal Agbodike, has emphasized that the soaring youth unemployment rate across West Africa poses a significant threat to regional stability. Speaking at the ongoing delocalized meeting of the parliament in Monrovia, Agbodike highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address this pressing issue.
According to Agbodike, the presentation on “Assessing the Effectiveness of ECOWAS Investment Policy” by Liberian Senator Amara Konneh underscored the alarming levels of joblessness among young people in the sub-region. The lawmaker stressed that unemployment in one country inevitably affects neighboring nations, making it a regional concern that requires unified solutions.
“Our youths are leaving the country because of unemployment,” Agbodike stated, warning that failure to address this issue could lead to significant social problems within society. He affirmed the parliament’s commitment to tackling the problem, stating that members are focused on using their legislative tools to enact laws that will combat unemployment across ECOWAS member states.
The ECOWAS Investment Policy, designed to attract investment, stimulate growth, and create jobs, has yet to deliver on its promise of sustainable development and job creation. With West Africa’s unemployment rate standing at 24.95%, significantly higher than the global average of 5.8%, the region is facing a critical challenge.
Agbodike expressed hope that the ongoing deliberations would yield viable solutions to the unemployment crisis, emphasizing the need for collective action to address this pressing issue. The ECOWAS Parliament’s commitment to finding solutions to this challenge is a welcome development, and it remains to be seen whether the region can harness its vast potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
