Total economically active population in Nigeria 2010-2023

Nigeria's labor force continues to grow, with over 75.5 million people estimated to be economically active in 2023. This marks a significant increase from the previous year's figure of 73.3 million. The country's workforce has been steadily expanding over the past decade, reflecting the nation's demographic changes and economic development.

Urban concentration and gender distribution

The labor force in Nigeria is predominantly concentrated in urban areas, with approximately 51.3 million workers in cities compared to 37.6 million in rural communities. Interestingly, the gender distribution of the workforce shows a slight advantage for women, with about 45.4 million female workers compared to 43.6 million male workers. This gender balance in the labor force suggests progress in women's participation in the Nigerian economy.

Age demographics and education levels

The Nigerian workforce is relatively young, with the largest group being those aged 25 to 34 years, comprising around 23 million people. The second-largest group consists of individuals aged 35 to 44 years, numbering nearly 20.4 million. Education levels vary among workers, with a significant portion having completed secondary school. However, unemployment rates differ based on educational attainment, often with vocational or commercial training graduates experiencing the lowest unemployment rates. Notably, the State of Abia faces the highest unemployment rate at nearly 19 percent, while Lagos state boasts the lowest at 5.5 percent, highlighting regional disparities in job opportunities across the country.