Nigeria must tackle insecurity, unemployment — Obasanjo

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo urged immediate action to tackle Nigeria's deteriorating security, unemployment and poverty. Speaking at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend 2026 in Lagos, Obasanjo warned that leadership failures have forced citizens to seek better opportunities abroad, often through dangerous migration routes.

He emphasised the need for governments to create employment opportunities and address the root causes of economic desperation. Obasanjo recounted his experience travelling across Nigeria in 1959 without fear, contrasting it with the current insecurity that prevents safe movement. He also highlighted the connection between unemployment and illegal activities, noting that economic hardship could push otherwise productive individuals towards criminal paths.

Regarding irregular migration, Obasanjo shared distressing stories of Africans attempting to cross the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea, often resulting in death. He stressed that improved governance and economic opportunities would reduce the pressure on Africans to undertake such perilous journeys. The former president held political leaders largely responsible for Africa's underdevelopment, urging them to address the continent's issues.

He also advocated for greater freedom of movement across Africa, proposing the elimination of visas among approximately 25 African countries. Obasanjo called for greater unity among Africans and people of African descent, emphasising the need for stronger connections between Africa and its diaspora.