“POS is our only employment now in Nigeria,” Protester Laments

In the bustling Ibom Plaza, a popular recreational hub in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, the frustration of Nigeria’s unemployed youth is palpable. As nationwide protests against bad governance and economic hardship gain momentum, one protester, Emmanuel Edunam, has become a vocal critic of the country’s dire employment situation.

“POS is our only employment now in Nigeria,” Edunam lamented during an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. His statement underscores a grim reality for many Nigerians who have turned to Point of Sale (POS) businesses as a means of survival amidst soaring unemployment rates. Edunam’s words resonate with countless others who feel marginalized and neglected by a system they believe favors the elite.

The POS business, which involves providing basic financial services such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and transfers using a mobile device, has seen a significant rise in popularity. For many, it represents the only viable source of income in an economy where traditional employment opportunities are scarce. “Good jobs are reserved for children of the elites immediately after graduation,” Edunam added, highlighting the perceived nepotism and inequality in job distribution.

As the economic situation in Nigeria worsens, the call for change grows louder. Protesters, predominantly youths, are demanding immediate action from the government to address the escalating cost of living and unemployment. Among their demands are the reduction of petrol and food prices, expansion of employment opportunities for the poor, and a reversal of the recent hike in electricity prices.

Despite appeals from both federal and state governments to halt the protests, the youth have remained undeterred. In Uyo, demonstrators defied the rain, gathering at Ibom Plaza to voice their discontent. Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing these protests, with hashtags like #hardship trending as a rallying cry for action against economic mismanagement.

The plight of Nigeria’s youth is a reflection of broader systemic issues. High inflation, a weak currency, and inadequate infrastructure have compounded the challenges facing the country.