THE DYNAMICS OF MANAGING THE RISING UNEMPLOYMENT HURDLES IN NIGERIA: A FOCUS ON IMO STATE

Abstract

This study examines the causes and effects of unemployment in Nigeria with particular reference to Imo State. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report on unemployment showed that the country unemployment rate increased to 27.1% in the second quarter of the year (Q2 2020) compared to 23.1% of the third quarter (Q3 2018). Imo State both in terms of unemployment and underemployment records 48.7% and 75.s% respectively. The report is worrisome as it poses threat to the State development, security and peaceful co-existence. The main objective is to look into the causes, effects and solution to unemployment problem. The study reviewed extant literature anchored on the theory of Neo-liberalism of Marxist. Also, historical and descriptive research design with secondary method as sources of its data collection were utilized, while content analysis was adopted. The result of the study reveals that unemployment is a multidimensional problem caused by holistic variables vis: corruption, ineptitude leadership, neglect of agriculture, weak infrastructure, with negative implication as poverty, low income and insecurity. The study recommends comprehensive approaches which include functional governance, provision of enabling environment and re-calibration of policies that will strengthen effective governance, investment and economic