The unemployment rate in Nigeria declined to 3.07 percent in 2023. Therefore, the unemployment rate in Nigeria saw its lowest number in that year with 3.07 percent. The unemployment rate refers to the share of the economically active population currently without work but in search of employment. The unemployment rate does not include economically inactive persons such as the long-term unemployed, children, or retirees.Find more key insights for the unemployment rate in countries like Niger and Benin.

انخفض معدل البطالة بين الشباب في نيجيريا إلى 6.50٪ في الربع الثاني من عام 2024 من 8.40٪ في الربع الأول من عام 2024. القيم الحالية، والبيانات التاريخية، والتنبؤات والإحصاءات والرسوم البيانية والتقويم الاقتصادي - نيجيريا - نسبة بطالة الشباب.

As of 2023, the total unemployed population in Nigeria was estimated at around 2.3 million. This increased from the preceding year, when around 2.9 million people were not in any form of employment. In 2019, a peak of over 7.8 million people was achieved, considering the period observed. Overall, the rate of unemployment in the country has been following an positive trend in recent years.

In 2023, the estimated youth unemployment rate in Nigeria was at almost 5.13 percent. According to the source, the data are estimates from the International Labour Organization, an agency of the United Nations developing policies to set labor standards. Employment in Nigeria The youth unemployment rate refers to the percentage of the unemployed in the age group of 15 to 24 years as compared to the total labor force. Youth unemployment rates are often higher than overall unemployment rates, which is true in Nigeria as well: the general rate of unemployment was approximately six percent in 2018. One reason for this contrast is that many of the youth under age 24 are studying full-time and are unavailable for work due to this. Education in Nigeria Nigeria’s population has a large percentage of young inhabitants, and there is a high demand for educational opportunities for its young populace. After severe cuts in governmental aid following a nationwide recession in 2016, Nigeria’s underfunded higher education system became the focus of ongoing student protests and strikes. Other families have taken a different approach: Nigeria is the top country of origin for international students from the continent of Africa. For example, Nigeria sent over 12,600 students to the U.S. in 2017/18, the most of any African country.

In 2022, the unemployment rate in Nigeria is estimated to reach 33 percent. This figure was projected to at 32.5 percent in the preceding year.

Chronological data show that the unemployment rate in Nigeria rose constantly in the past years. In the fourth quarter of 2020, over 33 percent of the labor force was unemployed, according to the Nigerian methodology.

As of 2023, the State of Abia, registered the highest unemployment rate in Nigeria, at nearly 19 percent. This was followed by FCT and Rivers with rates reaching 13 percent and 14 prcent, respectively. In contrast, Lagos state achieved the lowest unemployment rate, at 5.5 percent.

Nigeria NG: Unemployment: National Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 data was reported at 12.360 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 7.660 % for 2015. Nigeria NG: Unemployment: National Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 10.000 % from Dec 1986 (Median) to 2016, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.350 % in 1986 and a record low of 7.660 % in 2015. Nigeria NG: Unemployment: National Estimate: Youth: % of Total Labour Force Aged 15-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank: Employment and Unemployment. Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment. Definitions of labor force and unemployment differ by country.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2017.; Weighted Average; The series for ILO estimates is also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Employment Rate in Nigeria increased to 76.10 percent in the second quarter of 2024 from 73.20 percent in the first quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - Nigeria Employment Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In the fourth of 2020, the unemployment rate in Nigeria reached 33.28 percent. Between 2015 and 2020, the unemployment rate grew. In particular, in 2017 the unemployment rate registered the fastest growth, increasing by about six percentage points during the year. However, this data were calculated according to the Nigerian methodology. Based on the most common international methodology, the unemployment rate in Nigeria stood at 17.5 percent. The NEW Nigeria methodology defines as unemployed labor force who did not work at all or worked for less than 20 hours a week. The international definition, instead, include people aged 15 years to 64 years old who were available for work, actively seeking work, but were unable to find work.

Key information about Nigeria Unemployment Rate

• Nigeria Unemployment Rate dropped to 4.10% in Mar 2023, from the previously reported figure of 5.30% in Dec 2022.
• Nigeria Unemployment Rate is updated quarterly, available from Dec 2022 to Mar 2023, with an average rate of 4.70%.
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.30% in Dec 2022 and a record low of 4.10% in Mar 2023.
• The data is reported by reported by CEIC Data.
• In the latest reports, Nigeria Population reached 211.49 million people in Dec 2021.

Unemployment with basic education, male (% of male labor force with basic education) in Nigeria was reported at 1.222 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Unemployment with basic education, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Nigeria Unemployment Rate: 45 to 54 Years data was reported at 1.700 % in Jun 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.200 % for Mar 2024. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: 45 to 54 Years data is updated quarterly, averaging 2.200 % from Dec 2022 (Median) to Jun 2024, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.500 % in Dec 2022 and a record low of 1.700 % in Jun 2024. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: 45 to 54 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.G003: Unemployment Rate: New Methodology.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the unemployment rate in Nigeria reached 17.5 percent, according to the international methodology. The most affected group was those of individuals who achieved the Certificate of Education, the Ordinary National Diploma, or nursing school (roughly 29 percent). On the other hand, the lowest figure were registered among individuals who achieved the a vocational or commercial trainings.

The NEW Nigeria methodology defines as unemployed labor force who did not work at all or worked for less than 20 hours a week. The international definition, instead, include people aged 15 years to 64 years old who were available for work, actively seeking work, but were unable to find work.

Arbejdsløshedsprocenten i Nigeria faldt til 4,30 procent i andet kvartal af 2024 fra 5,30 procent i første kvartal af 2024. Aktuelle værdier, historiske data, prognoser, statistik, diagrammer og økonomisk kalender - Nigeria - Arbejdsløshed Rate.

Nigeria Unemployment Rate: ILO: 25 to 34 Years data was reported at 9.834 % in Sep 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 8.426 % for Jun 2017. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: ILO: 25 to 34 Years data is updated quarterly, averaging 7.100 % from Mar 2014 (Median) to Sep 2017, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.834 % in Sep 2017 and a record low of 2.354 % in Dec 2014. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: ILO: 25 to 34 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.G003: Unemployment Rate: New Methodology.

Nigeria NG: Unemployment with Advance Education: Male: % of Male Labour Force data was reported at 13.689 % in 2016. Nigeria NG: Unemployment with Advance Education: Male: % of Male Labour Force data is updated yearly, averaging 13.689 % from Dec 2016 (Median) to 2016, with 1 observations. Nigeria NG: Unemployment with Advance Education: Male: % of Male Labour Force data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Employment and Unemployment. The percentage of the labor force with an advanced level of education who are unemployed. Advanced education comprises short-cycle tertiary education, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent education level, a master’s degree or equivalent education level, or doctoral degree or equivalent education level according to the International Standard Classification of Education 2011 (ISCED 2011).; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in November 2018.; Weighted average;

Nigeria Unemployment Rate: 25 to 34 Years data was reported at 6.500 % in Jun 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 7.500 % for Mar 2024. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: 25 to 34 Years data is updated quarterly, averaging 6.600 % from Dec 2022 (Median) to Jun 2024, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.000 % in Dec 2023 and a record low of 4.700 % in Jun 2023. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: 25 to 34 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.G003: Unemployment Rate: New Methodology.

In 2023, the unemployed male population in Nigeria was estimated at around 763,000. On the other hand, the female population without any form of employment was higher, roughly 1.5 million people. The number of people of working age in the country who are not in employment has improved in recent years.

Nigeria Unemployment Rate: Male data was reported at 3.400 % in Jun 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.300 % for Mar 2024. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: Male data is updated quarterly, averaging 4.000 % from Dec 2022 (Median) to Jun 2024, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.700 % in Dec 2023 and a record low of 3.100 % in Mar 2023. Nigeria Unemployment Rate: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.G003: Unemployment Rate: New Methodology.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, 38.5 percent of the labor force aged 15 to 24 years in Nigeria was unemployed, showing an increase compared to the previous quarters. In the same period of time, the total unemployment rate in the country amounted to 17.5 percent. This figure was projected to increase further in the next years.

The NEW Nigeria methodology defines as unemployed labor force who did not work at all or worked for less than 20 hours a week. The international definition, instead, include people aged 15 years to 64 years old who were available for work, actively seeking work, but were unable to find work.