Leveraging Social Media for Job Creation: NCC’s Charge to Nigerian Youths

In an increasingly digital age, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) exerts its efforts to encourage Nigerian youths to harness the power of social media for job creation. This recommendation surfaces in response to the severe unemployment situation prevalent in the country, urging the younger generation to diverge from the over-reliance on traditional white-collar jobs.

A massive rural-to-urban migration of graduates seeking job opportunities has led to overpopulation in Nigerian cities. However, the dawn of social media offers a promising alternative, with numerous individuals already generating a significant income from the comfort of their homes. Social networking sites allow businesses to target and reach their desired audience on any platform virtually eliminating regional boundaries.

During a two-day workshop titled ‘Information and Communication Technology Utilisation and Sustainability for South-South zone’, held in Calabar, Cross River state, Prof. Umar Dambatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the NCC, championed this cause. Mr. Kelechi Nwankwo, the Head of Strategy, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), represented him at the event organized under the auspices of the USPF, a subset of the NCC.

Nwankwo emphasized that unemployed youths could effectively drive traffic to their products or services by advertising them online. Given that more and more people are progressively opting for online shopping instead of traditional brick-and-mortar stores, this strategy holds great potential. Notwithstanding, he expressed distaste towards the use of social media for frivolous purposes such as flaunting event outfits or propagating inaccurate rumors. Nwankwo stressed the importance of utilizing social media platforms as business tools and implored individuals to create applications capable of facilitating profitable business operations.

Nwankwo additionally underscored the misuse of social media platforms for circulating hate speeches, urging individuals to discourage such practices. Rather than stirring conflict due to differences in tribe or religion, social media ought to be used as platforms to boost business sales and foster win-win relationships among people from different corners of the world. Efforts are underway to create a conducive and peaceful atmosphere on these platforms, ridding them of cyber bullies and other disruptive entities.

In enforcing a peaceful digital environment, Nwankwo pointed out the existence of a cybercrime law regulated by the NCC and managed by the office of the national security adviser. However, he urges individuals to practice self-regulation in their social media activities.

As the world continues to evolve, Nigerian youths must remain flexible and adaptive to the shifting trends. Embracing social media as a tool for business growth and innovation is a crucial step forward. The race is on to leverage this digital revolution and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.