POPULATION GROWTH AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study explores the impact of population growth on unemployment in Nigeria using time series data spanning from 1991 to 2022. The study uses Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL), to estimate the long run and short run effects of population growth on unemployment. The estimated result reveals a positive and significance relationship between population growth and unemployment in both the long run and short run form. In light of these findings, several policy recommendations are proposed to address the challenges posed by unemployment in Nigeria. Government should Implement targeted job creation programs aimed at absorbing the growing labor force, particularly among youth and women. Enhance access to education, vocational training, and skills development programs to improve human capital and match skills with labor market demands. Foster a conducive business environment to attract domestic and foreign investment, with a focus on sectors with high employment potential. Implement monetary policies aimed at maintaining stable interest rates to stimulate investment and economic growth while avoiding inflationary pressures. Strengthen social protection programs to provide support to vulnerable groups and mitigate the negative impact of unemployment.