Many youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have attributed their involvement in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”, to unemployment, peer pressure and the quest for quick wealth.

The youth said this in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.

They discussed the reasons behind the growing attraction to cybercrime among young Nigerians.

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

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

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

Another respondent, 23-year-old Mubarak Musa, said social media had contributed significantly to the problem by 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 university student, Chioma Eze, 21, said peer pressure was another major factor influencing some youths to engage in internet fraud.

“Sometimes, friends will 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 absence 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 the effect of internet fraud was also becoming noticeable within families and communities.

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

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

A driver, Oseh Friday, said parents should take greater responsibility by monitoring their children and teaching them the consequences of criminal behaviour.

“Parents should endeavour to 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 if given 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 young people 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 ensure participants receive equipment after completing their training.

“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, said government should also invest in sports, entertainment and creative industries to provide alternative opportunities for youths.

“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 further 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 the opportunities available to youths through legitimate employment and entrepreneurship.

The youths also urged the government to ensure that existing youth empowerment programmes were transparent, accessible and effectively monitored.

They said beneficiaries should be selected based on clear criteria to prevent politically connected individuals from dominating programmes designed to support young Nigerians.

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

The youths said combining law enforcement with employment, skills development, access to finance and mentorship would help address some of the conditions that make internet fraud attractive.

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

(NAN)