ABUJA—Legal luminary and public policy advocate, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, has called on state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to revive and invest in Nigeria’s dormant nightlife sector as a strategic move to create jobs, reduce crime, and rebrand the nation’s cities.
In a policy brief dated August 6, 2025, titled “Revitalizing Nigeria’s Nightlife Economy: A Strategic Pathway to Economic Growth, Job Creation, Crime Reduction, and Urban Renewal,” Ubani urged leaders across the country to see the night-time economy not as a luxury but a critical necessity in tackling unemployment and insecurity, especially among youth.
The document, addressed to the 36 state governors, FCT Minister, and commissioners for economic planning, youth development, tourism, security, and urban renewal, outlined a vision for turning the country’s night hours into a vibrant economic engine.
Ubani described the night economy as encompassing activities between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., including entertainment, hospitality, transportation, security, vending, cultural events, and tech-driven services. According to him, these sectors, when well-organized and supported, can generate massive employment opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s youth and women.
He noted that countries like the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, and Kenya have already turned nightlife into billion-dollar industries. “With a population of over 220 million and a youth demographic exceeding 60 percent, Nigeria has the potential to surpass these benchmarks if the right frameworks are put in place,” he stated.
Ubani argued that reviving nightlife across Nigerian cities would deliver a “triple dividend”—mass youth employment, crime reduction, and national image enhancement. He pointed to the hospitality, transport, security, and entertainment industries as key areas that can absorb thousands of young people through both skilled and unskilled roles.
He cited the UK’s Night-Time Industries Association, which reported that nightlife sustains 1.9 million jobs as of 2023, stating that Nigeria could exceed this figure with targeted policies and proper coordination.
Ubani warned that many Nigerian youths remain idle due to lack of job opportunities, making them vulnerable to drug abuse, cultism, and violent crime. A functioning nightlife sector, he said, can replace street gangs with stage lights, and desperation with enterprise.
He also emphasized that structured night-time activities—supported by lighting, infrastructure, and policing—would lower crime rates and foster stronger trust between communities and law enforcement.
Beyond local impact, Ubani noted that a vibrant night economy could rebrand Nigerian cities as hubs of creativity, safety, and innovation, attracting both domestic and international tourism and investment. He said the global appeal of Nigerian music, Nollywood, and fashion could be harnessed and exported through organized nightlife, positioning the country as Africa’s cultural capital.
To achieve this, he proposed a phased implementation strategy. In the short term, he recommended setting up Night Economy Task Forces in states, conducting feasibility studies focused on youth engagement, and piloting safe zones and job incubation centres.
Medium-term steps include developing Night Economy Districts (NEDs), building community-police partnerships, and supporting youth-led hospitality cooperatives.
