Providing accurate data of the labour force is a key parameter for economic planning, needs assessment and growth. The Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) 4th quarter 2022 and 1st quarter 2023 is a culmination of efforts by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, World Bank and International Labour Organization ILO.
The NLFS Report is a review of the old and new methods in data collection. The previous methodology was adopted in 2014. It attempts to define and measure unemployment in the context of working age population, employment, labour force, unemployed and underemployed.
It attempts at the long term economic development plans for Nigeria considering ILO revised methodology. Leveraging key components of the labour market statistics by comparing results of the old and new NLFS methodology. Occupation and Activity Classification adopting the International Standard Classification (ISCO) and International Standard Industrial Classification Codes (ISIC).
The Nigeria Labour Force Survey is a routine household survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics to collect data about labor market indicators indicators using international best practices, Nigeria context and cross-country comparability. They use labor force statistics to access the health of the labor market, make informed policy decisions and identify trends in employment and unemployment rates. The NLFS data is utilized by a range of stakeholders including policy makers, economists, researchers and businesses.
The launch of the NLFS Report by the Minister of Budget and National Planning Alhaji Atiku Bagudu in Abuja brought together stakeholders and representatives of the World Bank, International Labor Organization ILO, Central Bank of Nigeria, Civil Society Organization, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee MPC and academia. The Minister was elated as this was his first official assignment, he said generating data is very key in development agenda. He reiterated that the 4th quarter 2022 and 1st quarter NLFS Report is a methodology enrichment. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very keen about data for planning in his Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured of total independence of NBS for overall performance and promised that the NLFS data will be part of the drafting and implementation of 2024 budget.
The World Bank Country Director Shubham Chadhuri in his speech said without data the ship of the state will sink, he said the synergy with National Bureau of Statistics will culminate in the development, planning and growth of the Nigerian economy.
Presenting the data and the launch of NLFS Report, the Statistician General of the Federation/CEO National Bureau of Statistics Prince Adeyemi Adeniran,
enumerated the rational for review, methodology and concluded that the NLFS has adopted a continuous data collection method. He reiterated the importance of data, he said during the presentation of the report of multidimensional poor in the build of the 2023 election, it was devoid of partisan influence or consideration. We say it the way it is, he urge the media to present the NLFS data accurately in order not to distort facts.
Representative of Civil Society and President of the Civil Society Group for Good Governance CSGGG, Chief Comrade Ogakwu Dominic in his speech said “for us as civil society practitioners, statistics are not just numbers but presents the optics with which we score and adjudge the performance of those who have been saddled with the responsibility to look after government business “.
Also speaking a representative of the Central Bank Governor, Dr Tumala emphasized on the importance of data literacy. “Labour statistics determines the factors of production and curb wastage. He urged Statisticians to bring out the story from the data”.
By Kanjal Awam.
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