‘NIGHT ECONOMY BOOST WILL CRASH CRIMINALITY,’ SAYS RIGHTS ACTIVIST UBANI

OPINION

REVITALIZING NIGERIA’S NIGHTLIFE ECONOMY: A STRATEGIC PATHWAY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOB CREATION, CRIME REDUCTION, AND URBAN RENEWAL

Addressed to:
All Executive Governors of the 36 States of the Federation
The Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
Federal and State Commissioners for Economic Planning, Youth Development, Tourism, Culture, Security, and Urban Renewal

From:
Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN
Legal Practitioner and Public Policy Advocate

Date: 5th August 2025

1. Introduction

In modern economies, the Night-Time Economy is a proven instrument for economic transformation, youth empowerment, urban revitalization, and national branding. In countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, and Kenya, structured night economies have evolved into billion-dollar sectors, driving innovation, job creation, tourism, and social cohesion.

Nigeria with its population exceeding 220 million, a youth demographic above 60%, and a rich cultural and creative base, is naturally positioned to become Africa’s foremost night economy hub. However, years of insecurity, poor infrastructure, regulatory constraints, and governance inertia have left this potential untapped.

This paper advocates for a deliberate, multi-stakeholder approach by all State Governments and the FCT Administration to establish a vibrant, inclusive, and safe night-time economy tailored to their regional contexts. It further underscores the transformational role this economic model can play in creating jobs for Nigerian youth, reducing crime and insecurity, and rebranding Nigeria as a forward-thinking African nation.

2. The Night-Time Economy Defined

The Night-Time Economy refers to social and economic activities occurring between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., spanning:

Entertainment (music, theatre, cinema)

Hospitality (restaurants, lounges, hotels)

Transportation and logistics (ride-hailing, delivery)

Night markets and retail

Security and emergency services

Creative and cultural expressions

These sectors generate interdependent value chains, offering massive employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for youth and women.

3. The Triple Dividend: Youth Jobs, Crime Reduction & National Rebranding

i. Mass Job Creation for Nigerian Youth

The night economy offers millions of low-, mid-, and high-skill jobs across hospitality, security, logistics, entertainment, vending, marketing, and tech. By enabling night-time commerce, states can absorb thousands of young Nigerians who are currently unemployed or underemployed.

DJs, chefs, ushers, waiters, taxi drivers, delivery agents, security guards, event promoters, creatives, app developers, and content creators can all find income opportunities.

According to UK NTIA (2023), 1.9 million jobs are sustained by the night economy. Nigeria with its youthful population, can exceed this number with the right policies.

Youth inclusion in nightlife businesses reduces desperation, strengthens dignity, and prevents radicalization.

ii. Reduction in Crime and Criminality

Idle youths are often vulnerable to crime, drug abuse, cultism, and social unrest. A functioning night economy engages them meaningfully, replacing street gangs with sound systems, stage lights, and structured employment.

Crime statistics show that areas with active night economies and organized lighting tend to record lower rates of petty crime and violence.

Creating safe, regulated avenues for night engagement also builds community trust in law enforcement, especially when youth work collaboratively with local authorities.

iii. Rebranding Nigeria as a Progressive African Economy

A thriving night economy signals openness, creativity, safety, and modernity. Nigerian cities can reposition themselves as global destinations for entertainment, business, and cultural exchange, like Cape Town, Nairobi, Accra, or Kigali.

Nigeria’s soft power—good music, Nollywood, fashion are already celebrated globally. Leveraging these for structured nightlife exports enhances our global image and draws international investors.

By implementing this model, Nigeria would affirm its leadership in Africa’s creative and tourism sectors, attracting regional and diaspora attention.

4. Strategic Pillars for Implementation

We must tackle insecurity, power infrastructure, licensing, urban planning, mobility, cultural integration, technology, and SME support in order to achieve this lofty idea.

5. Policy Recommendations

Short-Term (0–1 Year)

Constitute State and FCT Night Economy Task Forces.

Conduct state-specific feasibility studies with youth demographics in mind.

Pilot safe zones and night job incubation programs.

Medium-Term (1–3 Years)

Create Night Economy Districts (NEDs) and deploy modern infrastructure.

Institutionalize community-police partnerships for night safety.

Encourage youth-led cooperatives in hospitality and entertainment.

Long-Term (3–5 Years)

Expand the 24-hour economic model to urban and semi-urban cities.

Launch a Night Economy Dashboard tracking employment, crime rates, and revenue generation.

Use data to drive evidence-based policy on night-time development.

6. Conclusion: Keeping Our Cities Awake, Keeping Our Youth Engaged

The night-time economy is not a luxury, it is a necessity in a country where over 50 million youths are seeking economic inclusion. If Nigerian states embrace this model with intent and innovation, the rewards will be profound:

Millions of jobs created, reducing unemployment.

Criminality diminished, and security improved.

Tourism, creativity, and global reputation enhanced.

This is a call to action. Let us awaken Nigeria’s nights, not into chaos, but into commerce, culture, and civic pride. Let us keep our youth engaged, not in violence or addiction, but in productive enterprise. Let us reimagine our cities, not as places to sleep in fear, but as vibrant, living ecosystems of 24-hour prosperity.

Yours in nation-building,

Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN
Legal Practitioner and Public Policy Advocate

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