Analysis of Youth Employment and Income Distribution in Kaduna State

Youth employment and income distribution are critical demographic and economic concerns in Kaduna State, where a young and growing population faces a constrained formal labour market. This study analysed youth employment status and income distribution among persons aged 15 to 35 in Kaduna North, Kaura, and Soba Local Government Areas, Kaduna State. A cross-sectional survey of 360 youth was conducted. Data covered education level, employment category, monthly income, training history, and perceived employment barriers. Descriptive statistics, Lorenz curve analysis, and Gini coefficient computation were applied. The overall unemployment rate was 38.4 percent, with youth aged 15 to 24 showing the highest rate at 47.6 percent. The computed Gini coefficient for monthly income among employed youth was 0.48, indicating high income inequality. Males dominated formal employment while females concentrated in informal trade. Youth with vocational qualifications showed 2.4 times lower unemployment probability than those with only secondary certificates. Recommendations include expanding vocational and technical education, establishing a Kaduna State youth employment placement agency, and providing business development services and microfinance for youth entrepreneurs in the North West zone.

Keywords: youth employment, income distribution, Kaduna State, Gini coefficient, labour market These findings demonstrate that both formal educational investment and vocational pathway expansion are essential for addressing youth unemployment in Kaduna State.