Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, stated that Nigeria’s official unemployment rate had dropped to about 5 percent.
Aremu made the remark while discussing labour market trends under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He attributed the figure to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
Aremu explained that the National Bureau of Statistics had adopted the International Labour Organisation methodology. As a result, the official unemployment rate stood at about 5 percent.
He described the outcome as quite remarkable. Previously, the figures had remained in double digits under the earlier measurement system.
Furthermore, Aremu noted that employment activities had increased in both the public and private sectors.
According to Aremu, the rise in activity signalled broader progress in the labour market. He pointed to growing opportunities across government and private enterprises.
Aremu linked these developments to reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. He said the changes had supported higher levels of engagement among workers.
In addition, he stressed the need for continued focus on job quality. Aremu said Nigeria must deliberately create productive, secure and decent jobs that offer fair pay.
Aremu argued that employment should remain central to economic recovery. He stated, “You want to get out of poverty, you need to have jobs. I think we have to be deliberate, intentional to create jobs.”
He added that the country could not leave job creation solely to market forces. Instead, Aremu called for state-led efforts, particularly in the public sector, while recognising the private sector’s role in sustainable employment.
Aremu concluded that the focus must stay on productive, secure and decent work that provides dignity and long-term benefits for workers.
