December 20 (THEWILL) – The minister of Slstate for labour and employment, Festus Keyamo, has identified unemployment as one major reason banditry, terrorism, and corruption thrive in Nigeria.
Keyamo stated that the Federal Government is working to address the issues.
The minister spoke at an empowerment programme held in Jos, Plateau state.
He was represented by Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, director-general of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
A statement issued by NDE on Sunday, quoted the minister as saying: “You will all agree with me that unemployment is one of the remote causes of banditry, terrorism, corruption and other forms of criminality.
“Even though the Federal Government is working hard at check terrorism and all other forms of criminality and violent crimes, it is equally prosecuting the war against mass unemployment.
“I am proud that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), whose board I am privileged to chair and also directly supervise, is effectively leading that war against mass unemployment.”
Insecurity has continued to plague Nigeria, with the Northern part of the country experiencing increased banditry activities.
States like Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Borno, and Zamfara have all suffered from banditry and terrorism, with several people killed and kidnapped.
On Sunday, over 30 villagers were killed by bandits, while houses and vehicles were burnt in Kaduna state.
