Youth Restiveness, Unemployment, And Political Stability In Adamawa State: A Political Economy Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the intricate relationship between youth restiveness, unemployment, and political stability in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s persistently high youth unemployment, the research employs both descriptive and regression analysis to explore how structural factors influence political stability. Guided by the Political Economy Theory, the study investigates the roles of labour market dynamics, economic conditions, governance structures, social service availability, and investment confidence in shaping youth unemployment and its implications for political order. Primary data were obtained from 343 respondents through a random sampling survey and analysed to establish causal linkages. The findings indicate that social service availability, government intervention, and investment confidence have significant positive effects on political stability, primarily by creating employment opportunities for youths. Labour market dynamics showed a weaker but positive relationship, while economic factors were negative and statistically insignificant, suggesting that weak economic structures and inflationary pressures continue to hinder employment creation. The results underscore that youth unemployment in Adamawa State is not solely an economic issue but a political economy challenge that fuels restiveness and threatens institutional legitimacy. The study concludes that strengthening social services, enhancing youth empowerment programs, improving the investment climate, diversifying the economy, and promoting inclusive governance are critical for reducing unemployment and ensuring sustainable political stability in Adamawa State and beyond.