Beyond Internet Fraud: How ICT Can Serve As A Medium of Employment for Nigerian Youth| By Alli Egbesola 

In Nigeria, the rapid advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has created numerous opportunities for employment, especially for the country’s burgeoning youth population. While internet fraud, often referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo,” has garnered significant attention, there are far more positive and impactful ways in which ICT can be harnessed to create legitimate employment opportunities for young Nigerians. This article explores how ICT can serve as a sustainable medium of employment for Nigerian youth, contributing to economic growth and development.
1. Freelancing and Remote Work.
Freelancing and remote work have become viable career paths due to the proliferation of digital platforms that connect skilled professionals with clients worldwide. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiver allow youth across the globe to offer services such as graphic design, web development, content writing, and digital marketing to a global market. The ability to work remotely provides flexibility and the opportunity to earn in foreign currencies, which can be particularly advantageous given Nigeria’s economic conditions. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work globally, leading many international companies to hire remote employees. Nigerian youth with the right skills can tap into this trend, providing services like customer support, software development, and virtual assistance to companies abroad.
2. Digital Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce
The rise of e-commerce platforms like Jumia, Konga, and social media marketplaces has opened up new opportunities for Nigerian youth to become digital entrepreneurs. With relatively low start-up costs, young people can sell products online, ranging from fashion and beauty items to electronics and handmade crafts. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook also serve as powerful tools for digital marketing, allowing entrepreneurs to reach a broader audience and build brand loyalty. In addition to selling products, Nigerian youth can develop and sell digital products, such as e-books, online courses, and software applications. With the right skills in content creation, coding, or graphic design, young entrepreneurs can create valuable digital products that cater to specific niches.
3. Content Creation and Digital Media.
The digital media landscape offers numerous opportunities for young Nigerians to monetise their creativity. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram provide avenues for content creators to earn money through advertising, sponsorships, and partnerships. Successful content creators can build a following by producing videos, blogs, podcasts, or other forms of digital content that resonate with audiences both locally and globally. With this, I will advise that entertainment and content creation can be educational or informative, with creators sharing knowledge on topics like personal finance, technology, health, and more. As more Nigerian youth embrace content creation, there is potential for the development of a vibrant digital media ecosystem that generates employment and promotes cultural exchange.
4. Tech Startups and Innovation Hubs
Nigeria has seen a growing number of tech startups, particularly in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. These startups are leveraging ICT to solve local problems in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, edtech, and agritech. For example, companies like Flutterwave and Paystack have made significant strides in the fintech space, providing digital payment solutions that cater to both local and international markets. Innovation hubs and tech incubators, such as Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and Andela, are also playing a crucial role in nurturing tech talent and fostering entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth. These hubs offer training, mentorship, and access to funding, helping young innovators turn their ideas into viable businesses. By creating an environment that supports tech entrepreneurship, these hubs are contributing to job creation and economic diversification.
5. Online Education and Skill Development
The demand for digital skills is growing, and online education platforms are helping to bridge the skills gap. Nigerian youth can take advantage of platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning to acquire new skills in areas such as programming, data analysis, digital marketing, and project management. These skills are in high demand in the global job market, making it easier for young Nigerians to secure well-paying jobs both locally and internationally.

Furthermore, some Nigerian startups are focussing on providing local and affordable online education tailored to the Nigerian context. For instance, companies like uLesson and PrepClass offer online tutoring and educational content that help students prepare for exams and improve their academic performance. These platforms not only create employment for educators and content developers but also equip students with the knowledge needed to compete in the job market.
6. Agriculture and ICT Integration
Agriculture remains a critical sector in Nigeria, employing a significant portion of the population. However, the integration of ICT into agriculture is opening up new employment opportunities, particularly for youth. Digital tools and platforms can be used to improve farming practices, supply chain management, and market access.For example, platforms like FarmCrowdy and ThriveAgric use digital technology to connect farmers with investors, providing the necessary capital to scale agricultural operations. Additionally, mobile apps and SMS-based services offer farmers real-time information on weather conditions, pest control, and best farming practices, leading to increased productivity and income. Young Nigerians with ICT skills can work in agtech startups, helping to develop and maintain these digital solutions.

Challenges and the Way Forward.
While the potential of ICT to create employment for Nigerian youth is vast, several challenges must be addressed. These include inadequate access to reliable internet and electricity, high costs of digital devices, and a lack of digital literacy in some regions. Additionally, there is a need for more robust policies and regulatory frameworks that support the growth of the digital economy.
To fully realise the potential of ICT as a medium of employment, it is essential for the Nigerian government, private sector, and educational institutions to collaborate on initiatives that promote digital literacy, provide access to affordable technology, and create an enabling environment for tech entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
ICT offers Nigerian youth a powerful tool for employment and economic empowerment, far beyond the negative connotations associated with internet fraud. By embracing opportunities in freelancing, digital entrepreneurship, content creation, and other ICT-driven fields, young Nigerians can build sustainable careers, contribute to economic growth, and drive innovation. With the right support and infrastructure, ICT can serve as a catalyst for transforming Nigeria’s youth into a dynamic and productive workforce in the digital age.