Nigeria, Africa’s economic powerhouse, sits on a demographic goldmine. With over 70 percent of the population under 30, the nation boasts the largest youth population in Africa. However, this potential is teetering on the brink of a crisis. Staggering youth unemployment plagues the nation, a paradox fueled by a pervasive yet under-examined culprit: age discrimination. Age-biased recruitment practices not only create an unfair playing field but also hinder knowledge transfer, stifle innovation, and ultimately, hold back Nigeria’s economic and social progress. Dismantling these age barriers is not just a matter of social justice – it’s a strategic imperative for unlocking Nigeria’s true potential.

The Glaring Employment Gap: While the exact figures for older unemployed Nigerians are difficult to pinpoint, available unemployment data paints a grim picture. On the other hand, a 2023 report reveals a staggering youth unemployment rate averaging 22.97% from 2014 to 2023, reaching a peak of 53.40% in late 2020. These figures not only signify missed opportunities but also underscore a broader societal malaise. The sidelining of millions of young Nigerians, brimming with potential and ambition, fuels social unrest and exacerbates a concerning brain drain as talented individuals seek opportunities abroad, depriving the nation of their invaluable skills and expertise.

Beyond Numbers: A Cultural Conundrum: Age discrimination isn’t merely a statistical anomaly; it’s deeply ingrained in Nigeria’s cultural fabric. Job adverts stipulating requirements such as “recent graduates” or limiting years of experience implicitly exclude older applicants with vast knowledge and proven track records. This not only disregards the value of experience but also obstructs the cultivation of mentorship and knowledge transfer within the workforce—essential components for fostering innovation and growth. For instance, entry-level positions in Nigerian banks often impose an age limit, typically around 25-26 years, effectively excluding a significant portion of young Nigerians who face challenges such as delayed university entry due to economic constraints or educational hurdles. These restrictions not only hinder access to employment but also deprive young Nigerians of invaluable opportunities for mentorship and on-the-job learning.

A Stifled Economic Engine: Excluding a substantial segment of the population from gainful employment presents a formidable barrier to economic growth. Young, innovative minds inject fresh perspectives and dynamism into the workforce, propelling industries forward. Despite facing systemic challenges, many frustrated Nigerians have turned to entrepreneurship, catalyzing growth in sectors such as technology and the creative economy. However, these budding industries encounter formidable obstacles, including unfriendly government policies and infrastructural deficiencies. Failure to address these challenges stifles entrepreneurship and innovation, undermining Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage. A diverse workforce, encompassing a blend of experience and youthful energy, cultivates a culture of creativity and resilience, essential for sustainable economic development. Moreover, older Nigerians face retirement without pensions, exacerbating concerns about future poverty among this demographic unless the government addresses pension coverage issues promptly.

Charting a New Course: Recommendations for Progress:

Combating ageism is not a novel concept. Australia, for instance, has explicit legislation prohibiting age discrimination in employment. Similarly, institutions in the United States are raising mandatory retirement ages to allow experienced workers to continue contributing.  These examples highlight the economic and social benefits of a multigenerational workforce.  Increased experience translates to a more skilled talent pool, a more robust tax base, and ultimately, higher demand for goods and services, leading to a more vibrant economy.

Legislative Intervention: While Nigeria lacks explicit laws against age discrimination, introducing such legislation is imperative. Legal safeguards not only empower individuals to challenge discriminatory practices but also signal a commitment to fair and equitable hiring standards, essential for fostering a conducive business environment.

Skill Development Programs: Investing in vocational training and skills development programs tailored to young job seekers is paramount. Equipping them with the requisite tools to navigate the job market effectively enhances their employability and contributes to economic growth. Additionally, encourage schools and institutions to develop social programs to help young people cultivate relevant interpersonal skills for the job market and after-school programs can keep young people engaged during their job search, a process that can be lengthy in Nigeria.

Promote Youth Entrepreneurship: Fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurship is crucial. Providing support and resources to young entrepreneurs facilitates business growth and job creation, driving economic prosperity. This can be achieved through partnerships between the government and the private sector. Additionally, investing in leadership programs would also equip founders with the necessary skills to manage their companies effectively.

Private Sector Engagement: Encouraging private sector employers to adopt transparent hiring practices and eliminate age-related biases from job descriptions and recruitment processes is essential. Promoting diversity and meritocracy fosters an inclusive workplace culture conducive to innovation and productivity. Promoting successful companies – for instance, some indigenous fintech startups in Lagos, known for their multi-generational workforce that leverages the strengths of different age groups – can serve as a powerful example, inspiring others to embrace a more inclusive approach. 

Blind Recruitment: Implementing anonymous applications and resumes during initial screening stages helps employers assess candidates based solely on merit, not age. This approach ensures a fair and objective selection process, allowing experienced professionals to be considered alongside younger applicants. Focusing on skills, experience, and qualifications creates a fairer playing field, allowing candidates to be judged based on their merits. Imagine job descriptions that highlight a company’s desire for “passionate problem solvers with a proven track record of success,” as opposed to prioritizing a specific number of years of experience.

Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: Time to Act

Age discrimination poses a formidable barrier to Nigeria’s economic and social progress. Addressing this pervasive issue demands concerted efforts from both government and private sectors, grounded in principles of equity and respect for human dignity. By dismantling ageist barriers and embracing a culture of opportunity for all, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its youthful population, propelling the nation towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Imagine a Nigeria where experienced professionals mentor the next generation, where young people regardless of their challenges have access to meaningful employment, and where private sector partnerships drive economic prosperity through inclusive practices. This vision is within reach, provided the country acts decisively to dismantle ageist barriers and foster an environment of opportunity and innovation for all Nigerians.