FCT youths cite unemployment, peer pressure for cyber fraud

Many youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have blamed unemployment, peer pressure and the desire for quick wealth for the growing involvement of young Nigerians in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”.

The youths shared their views while discussing factors contributing to the growing attraction to cybercrime among young people.

A 25-year-old graduate, Bamidele David, said prolonged unemployment after graduation had left some youths vulnerable to criminal activities.

“I finished university two years ago and have applied to several companies without getting a job.

“When your friends start making money and you cannot afford basic needs, the pressure can become overwhelming,” he said.

Another respondent, 23-year-old Mubarak Musa, blamed social media for promoting extravagant lifestyles among young people.

“Every day, you see young people displaying expensive cars, clothes and houses online.

“Some youths begin to believe that becoming wealthy quickly is the only way to gain respect,” he said.

A 21-year-old university student, Chioma Eze, identified peer pressure as another major factor.

“Sometimes, friends make you feel unsuccessful because you are not making as much money as they are.

“Some people eventually join them because they want to belong and avoid being mocked,” she said.

Similarly, 26-year-old Philip Samuel said the lack of employment opportunities had made legitimate work less attractive to some youths.

“Many young people are willing to work, but they need opportunities that can provide reasonable incomes.

“Government needs to make legitimate businesses more accessible and profitable for young Nigerians,” he said.

A commercial driver, Babajide Festus, said internet fraud was also affecting families and communities.

“Some parents know their children are doing illegal things but remain silent because they benefit financially.

“That attitude can encourage the problem because young people begin to believe that making money is all that matters,” he said.

Another driver, Oseh Friday, urged parents to take greater responsibility by monitoring their children and teaching them the consequences of criminal behaviour.

“Parents should know what their children are doing online and who they associate with.

“They should also encourage them to learn skills that can help them earn money legitimately,” he said.

For 24-year-old digital enthusiast Daniel Bright, some youths could be redirected into legitimate technology careers through proper training.

“Someone who knows how to manipulate computers can use that knowledge positively.

“Government can train young people in cybersecurity, software development and other areas where technology skills are needed,” he said.

A fashion entrepreneur, Aisha Mohammed, called for easier access to funding for youths interested in legitimate businesses.

“There are youths with good business ideas, but they lack capital to start.

“If government provides affordable financing, mentorship and proper monitoring, more young people can become entrepreneurs,” she said.

Similarly, 27-year-old mechanic Victor Godspower urged the government to expand vocational training centres and provide participants with the necessary equipment.

“Teaching someone a skill without providing the tools to practise it may not solve the problem.

“Young people need practical support that will enable them to turn their skills into income,” he said.

Another respondent, 22-year-old Samuel Okechukwu, called for greater investment in sports, entertainment and the creative industries.

“Not everybody will become a banker or civil servant.

“Some people are talented in music, sports, filmmaking and other creative areas, so government should create platforms where these talents can generate legitimate income,” he said.

The respondents also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, schools, parents, religious organisations and community leaders to discourage cybercrime.

They said public education should focus not only on the punishment for internet fraud but also on legitimate employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities available to young people.

The youths urged the government to make existing empowerment programmes transparent, accessible and properly monitored.

They said beneficiaries should be selected through clear criteria to ensure that programmes designed to support young Nigerians reach those who need them.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to prosecute suspected internet fraudsters, while its leadership has also advocated constructive youth engagement as part of efforts to tackle cybercrime.

The youths said combining law enforcement with employment opportunities, skills development, access to finance and mentorship could help address some of the factors making internet fraud attractive to young people.

They stressed that young Nigerians need opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to the economy rather than depend on proceeds from criminal activities.