Aligning Data with Realities for Sustainable Growth
Nigeria’s latest unemployment data, as released by the National Bureau of Statistics, appears disconnected from the harsh realities on the ground, posing a risk of misleading economic planners. While the figures suggest improved labor conditions, with a reported decline in unemployment, they fail to capture the challenges faced by millions of Nigerians.
The report paints a picture of increasing self-employment and informal sector dominance. While these numbers might indicate rising engagement in economic activities, they also underscore the precarious nature of jobs in the informal sector, where stability and fair wages are far from guaranteed. This reliance on informal employment reflects a systemic issue that cannot be overlooked.
Criticism from labor groups and private sector representatives highlights the growing discontent with these statistics. The methodology used in calculating unemployment, which considers even minimal work of an hour per week as employment, has drawn sharp rebuke for failing to reflect the reality of livelihoods. Employment should be measured by its ability to provide sustenance, dignity, and a path to prosperity—not mere technical compliance with international standards.
The contradiction between these figures and the daily struggles of businesses and workers is glaring. Companies continue to downsize or shut down, reflecting an economic environment fraught with instability. Manufacturing and agriculture, traditionally pillars of employment, are barely growing, and the dominance of low-quality informal jobs indicates that many workers are struggling to meet basic needs.
This disconnect raises a fundamental question: What kind of employment is being created? True progress in tackling unemployment must focus on the quality of jobs, their sustainability, and their capacity to improve living standards. This demands strategic investments in infrastructure, support for formal job creation, and an environment that nurtures meaningful economic activity.
The current approach to measuring employment glosses over critical issues and offers little insight into the systemic changes needed to create a resilient workforce. For Nigeria to achieve inclusive growth, employment statistics must reflect realities, and policies must prioritize improving livelihoods over presenting optimistic but hollow figures. Only then can the nation address the root causes of unemployment and build a future where work truly empowers its people.
