Leveraging Internet-Based Opportunities towards Poverty Alleviation and SDG1 among Unemployed Nigerian Youths

Abstract

The Nigerian population explosion, currently at 236 million and projected to reach 400 million by 2050, makes the nation one of the three most populous countries in the world, behind only India and China. The counteractive impacts, however, have led to resource depletion, high crime rates, unemployment, and poverty in different corners of the nation, particularly among Nigerian youths. With the spread of the internet, some of these youths are using the system to achieve positive educational gains and social connections. The internet, however, has not been fully explored as a viable tool for driving and implementing Nigeria's Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1), particularly in poverty alleviation. Therefore, this study attempts a critical evaluation of the possibility of exploring internet-based opportunities as a vehicle for poverty alleviation and the fulfillment of SDG 1 among unemployed Nigerian youths. The study bridges the gap between technology and economic empowerment for youths in Nigeria and poses key questions. It evaluates the extent to which internet-based opportunities can be explored for youth employment and poverty alleviation, the significant challenges involved, and the support system for connection and sustainability. Findings show that over 75% of respondents already use the internet daily, but only a small proportion engage productively for income generation. This paper concludes that accessing internet-based opportunities requires the coordinated efforts of the government, corporate bodies, and individuals. Only through this can Nigeria economically realize the vision of translating the youths' efforts into reality.