Nigeria’s job market is evolving in response to economic shifts, technology, and demography.
For job seekers, employers, policymakers, and educators alike, understanding the latest job statistics is important for making informed decisions.
However, finding all relevant Nigerian job data in one place remains a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled the most important employment and workforce statistics every stakeholder should know in 2025.
These numbers shed light on unemployment rates, youth employment, informal sector trends, in-demand industries, salary benchmarks, remote work adoption, and gender disparities.
With over 92% of Nigerians working in the informal sector, its dominance will continue. However, increased technology adoption, fintech access, and government interest in regulating informal businesses may push parts of the sector toward gradual formalisation, especially in urban centres.
Nigeria’s high AI adoption rate signals a turning point. Demand for data-centric roles such as data analysts and cybersecurity professionals will rise sharply. The private sector, especially in finance, will lead the demand.
With a significant number of employers citing a skills mismatch, Nigeria faces a growing disconnect between academic output and labour market needs. Universities and vocational programs must urgently update curricula to include digital skills, AI literacy, and entrepreneurial training.
Despite minor improvements, youth unemployment and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates remain high. Without targeted interventions like apprenticeships, entrepreneurship funding, and job placement programs, Nigeria risks a demographic time bomb.
With 84% of Nigerians already self-employed and informal job creation trailing population growth, entrepreneurship will become not just a choice, but a necessity. Support for small businesses, better credit access, and digital infrastructure will be vital for this sector to thrive.
Only 14% of Nigerian jobs were fully remote in 2024, but that number is expected to grow as companies adapt to hybrid models. However, remote work remains skewed toward tech, media, and creative roles, leaving behind sectors like manufacturing and retail.
The Nigerian labour market is structured around the working-age population, which includes all individuals aged 15 years and above. This population is divided into two major categories:
Employed
Not Employed
1. Employed
This group includes individuals who are currently engaged in economic activities. It is further subdivided into:
Employed, at work: Individuals who worked for at least one hour in the last seven days for pay or profit.
Employed, not at work: Individuals who are employed but were temporarily absent from work during the reference period (e.g., due to illness, leave, or other reasons).
2. Not Employed
This group consists of individuals who are not currently working. It includes:
Unemployed: Persons who are not employed but are actively searching for work and available to work.
Out of labour force: Individuals who are economically inactive and not seeking employment.
Nigeria's job market is evolving with opportunities for improvement. Unless steps are taken to reform education, formalize the informal sector, and address regional and gender differentials, the gap between potential and progress will continue to widen. Therefore, for Nigeria's job market to thrive in the years ahead, collaborative efforts among the government, private sector, and relevant stakeholders is crucial.
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