The NLC vs. NBS Clash: Are Unemployment Figures Fabricated?
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) over its recent unemployment figures, labeling them as “fabricated” and unreflective of Nigeria’s current realities.
The report, which placed Nigeria’s unemployment rate at 4.1%, has sparked widespread disbelief, with many arguing it does not align with the evident economic struggles faced by citizens.
Critics, including former NBS officials and economic experts, have highlighted issues with the new methodology adopted by the NBS.
This approach considers an individual employed if they work at least one hour per week, which many argue is insufficient to define meaningful employment.
Such a definition contrasts starkly with the economic challenges evident in Nigeria, including high poverty levels and inflation pushing more citizens into hardship.
The NLC and other stakeholders have urged the NBS to review its methodology to better reflect the nation’s employment landscape and provide data that can genuinely inform effective policy-making.