To make good policies, we must first define labour force correctly. Labor force means the number of people working or actively looking for work.
Nigeria has over 220 million people, but not all are in the labor force. Some are students, retired, or unable to work. We need data to inform policies on employment, education, and economic growth that will not work well.
In a new report, we carefully examined and defined the labor force in a way that helps policymakers, businesses, and researchers understand Nigeria’s employment situation better.
How We Define Labour Force
1. People Who Are Working
The labor force includes people who are working or able to work, including:
- Those in formal jobs (government workers, company employees)
- Those in informal work (traders, artisans, market sellers)
- People who run small businesses or work as freelancers
Many Nigerians work in informal jobs, so ignoring them when measuring employment hides the picture.
2. People Looking for Work
People actively searching for jobs are also part of the labor force. These are people sending applications, attending interviews, or searching for opportunities.
But those who have stopped looking because they lost hope or lack opportunities are not counted.
3. Unpaid Workers and Underemployment
Some people work but do not earn enough to support themselves. Others are in jobs below their skill level. For example:
- A university graduate working as a bus conductor
- A full-time worker earning far below the minimum wage
- Someone working a few hours a week but wanting full-time work
Including these groups helps show the true employment crisis in Nigeria.
Why We Must Define Labour Force
1. Better Job Creation Policies
With accurate data, the government can create jobs that match the skills of young people. If most unemployed people are skilled graduates, then the solution should differ from areas where people lack basic education.
2. Planning for Economic Growth
Knowing how many people work in agriculture, technology, or manufacturing helps the government plan where to invest.
3. Understanding Gender Gaps in Work
Many women work unpaid or informal jobs, making them invisible in employment data. A correct definition of labor force includes all forms of work, helping to create better policies for gender equality.
Challenges in Defining the Labour Force
- Lack of Proper Records – Many Nigerians work without official contracts, making it hard to track employment.
- Discouraged Workers – Some people stop looking for jobs because they believe they won’t find one. They are left out of labor force data.
- Underemployment – Some people work but earn too little or work fewer hours than they need. This is different from being fully unemployed.
How We Can Improve Labour Force Data
1. Conduct Regular Employment Surveys
The government should collect and update employment data regularly to reflect changes in work trends.
2. Track Informal Workers
Since most Nigerians work informally, better tracking small business owners, market traders, and self-employed workers will improve data accuracy.
3. Use Gender-Sensitive Data Collection
Women’s work is often undervalued or ignored in labor statistics. Recognizing unpaid care work and informal labor will create a fuller picture of employment.
Conclusion
Accurate labor force data is essential for Nigeria’s growth. If we define labour force correctly, we can create better jobs, improve policies, and build a stronger economy.
For detailed reports and gender-focused employment data, visit Genderpedia.ng/shop.
