The worsening economic situation in Nigeria is forcing citizens from different parts of the country into Abuja.
But with the nation's capital also suffering its negative share of the dampening economic reality, jobs may not be readily available for the desperate migrants in search of greener pastures.
The territory is battling crime and insecurity and residents who have lived in Abuja for years fear that the number of unemployed people in the city could balloon to a new high, especially as employers have been laying off staff going into 2024.
"I believe why they’re entering Abuja is because of the challenges they are facing wherever they are,” an Abuja resident, who doesn’t want to be named, said.
“If the government can create jobs and provide security, I believe we will have a better FCT to stay in.”
A security expert, Jonathan Vandy, advised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to prioritize human capital developmental programs to engage youths and create more job opportunities.
"People cannot come to Abuja without doing anything. The rate of crime will be too much,” he said. “So, what the minister should do is create an enabling environment and job opportunities in the private sector.”
