Despite these challenges, some Nigerian states have demonstrated resilience by maintaining lower unemployment rates, showcasing their potential as models of economic stability and growth.
A robust labor force participation rate often reflects the economic health and vibrancy of a region, and Nigeria’s overall rate stands at 76.3%, with 88,940,861 people actively engaged in the labor market. This includes 43,564,586 men (77.4%) and 45,376,276 women (75.2%).
Educational attainment plays a crucial role in labor force participation. Those with postgraduate qualifications exhibit the highest participation rate at 90.8%, while individuals with primary education levels recorded the lowest rate at 65.6%. This highlights the importance of advanced education in enhancing employability and economic productivity.
In terms of employment, 72.2% of Nigeria’s working-age population is employed, with rural areas outperforming urban regions. The employment-to-population ratio in rural areas is 77.3%, compared to 68.7% in urban centers, indicating that rural economies are better at engaging their workforce, despite fewer economic resources.
Notably, 18 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have labor force participation rates equal to or higher than the national average, demonstrating their ability to effectively integrate their working-age populations into the labor market.
States with lower unemployment rates serve as examples, illustrating the potential for sustainable economic growth and reduced poverty.
These states, with their low unemployment rates, not only contribute positively to Nigeria’s overall economic outlook but also provide a blueprint for other regions.
With that said, here are the 10 states in the country with the lowest unemployment rates.
Top 10 Nigerian states with the lowest unemployment rate
| Rank | States | Unemployment rate | Unemployed population | Labor force participation | Employment to population ratio by state (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Nasarawa |
0.5% |
7,017 |
83.8% |
83.4% |
|
2. |
Sokoto |
1.2% |
31,454 |
83.1% |
82.1% |
|
3. |
Kebbi |
1.6% |
39,105 |
88.8% |
87.3% |
|
4. |
Benue |
1.6% |
47,894 |
84.0% |
82.6% |
|
5. |
Taraba |
1.9% |
27,986 |
71.9% |
70.5% |
|
6. |
Oyo |
2.0% |
81,411 |
80.3% |
78.7% |
|
7. |
Kaduna |
2.7% |
100,231 |
82.6% |
80.4% |
|
8. |
Kastina |
2.8% |
108,312 |
80.6% |
78.4% |
|
9. |
Cross River |
2.8% |
60,611 |
81.2% |
78.9% |
|
10. |
Osun |
2.9% |
58,031 |
76.5% |
74.3% |
