By Gloria Ikibah
A Nigerian representative at the ECOWAS Parliament has expressed concern over the growing rate of youth unemployment in West Africa, and warned that it could affect the region’s overall stability if not urgently addressed.
Hon. Paschal Agbodike made the remarks on Tuesday during a parliamentary session in Monrovia, following a presentation by Liberian Senator Amara Konneh on how effective the ECOWAS Investment Policy has been so far. 
According to Agbodike, the data shared during the session highlighted the serious scale of joblessness among young people in the region. He stressed that unemployment in one country, like Liberia, doesn’t stay contained—it spills into neighbouring nations such as Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
“Our young people are leaving because they don’t see enough job opportunities,” he said, warning that if left unchecked, the situation could lead to broader social problems.
Agbodike assured that the parliament is taking the matter seriously and is looking into legislative options that could help create more jobs across the region. He said lawmakers are working toward practical solutions that can bring lasting change.
The ECOWAS Investment Policy is aimed at attracting more investment into the region to boost growth and employment. But despite the region’s large population and rich resources, foreign investment hasn’t yet delivered the level of job creation many had hoped for. Unemployment across West Africa is currently estimated at nearly 25%, well above the global average of around 6%.
Lawmakers are expected to continue discussions in the coming days, focusing on ways to turn policy in
to real opportunities for the region’s growing youth population.
