Coronavirus pandemic contributes to high rate of unemployment in Nigeria, say experts
The Experts and participants at the on-going series of workshops organized by the United Nations Country Team in Nigeria have identified impact of coronavirus pandemic as responsible high unemployment situation in Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that, the workshops which run from 9-18 August is part of the Common Country Analysis (CCA) for Nigeria, and seek to validate with key stakeholders of United Nations(UN).
The experts in presentation on the economy: Ms. Precious Akanonu, the National Economist of UNDP; Mr. Hamidou Poufon, the Chief of Social Protection, UNICEF; Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Assistant Representative, FAO; and Mr. Nonso Obikili, the Development Coordination Officer (Economist) in the United Nations(UN) Resident Coordinator’s Office; observed that informal employment is still predominant, noting that International LabourOrganisation (ILO) had estimated the share of informal employment in non-agricultural employment at 83.7%.
Penpushing further reports that, they noted that, Nigerian economy is not creating enough jobs and a significant share of the employed were working below their capacity, which puts underemployment rate at 22.8% in 2020. In 2020,
“Young people were most affected with a youth unemployment rate of 53.4%.Gender imbalances were present with unemployment rates higher for females (35.2%) compared to males (31.8%).” They stated.
Penpushing also reports that, the experts called for creation of conditions for sustained and inclusive economic growth to drive progress, create decent jobs for all, and improve living standards which are critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office, Mr Ernest Mutanga, in his remarks explained that the United Nations in Nigeria would hold eight virtual workshops across specific themes: economy, demographics and human capital development, governance, gender and social inclusion, youth, climate, and financing and public sector management.
‘The CCA is the UN system’s independent, impartial, and collective assessment and analysis of a country’s situation for its use in developing the new 2023- 2027 Cooperation Framework. The Cooperation Framework is an agreement between the UN and the host government which determines and reflects the UN development system’s contributions in the country’
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]
