Causes and Socio-Economic Implications of Youth Restiveness in Maiduguri Metropolis

Abstract

Youth restlessness in Maiduguri metropolis is a hot topic for conversation in the social, economic, and
political spheres. It is evident that with restless youth, Maiduguri cannot prosper and make
meaningful development. This issue is so common that it poses a threat to the city’s business survival,
peace, and security. Among other things, the absence of basic and inadequate infrastructure, poor
social amenities, and unemployment are linked to the causes of young restiveness. Youth restiveness
has a negative impact that can be seen in the city in form of robberies, kidnappings, cults, agitations,
and engagement in societal unrest. The root causes and implications of youth restlessness have
fostered uncertainty, which has caused fear, failure, and underdevelopment in the hitherto home of
peace. This investigation upholds the hypothesis that in order to manage youth in the city, their
abilities, skills, and education need to be acknowledged, supported, and directed towards the
appropriate societal sector in order to promote growth and sustainable development. The present study
examined the discourse around youth restiveness in Maiduguri and offered suggestions for the
efficient organization and accountability of the government to mitigate the escalating incidence of
youth restiveness in the city.