The National Bureau of Statistics has stated in its unemployment report for 2016 that the most vibrant and nubile segment of the population aged 15-24 and 25-34 suffered job losses when compared to the older but smaller part aged 35-50.
Overall it stated in the report issued on Monday that the number of Nigerians who became unemployed rose by 2.1 million to 11.55 million at the end of 2016 from 9.48 million at the beginning of the year.
When it came to the sexes, women suffered more than their male counterparts with 16.3 per cent compared to 12.3 for males.
Generally, the report showed an increase in the number of those considered economically active as well as those that make up actual labor force.
It said: “The economically active population increased from 108.03 million to 108.59 million; this represents a 0.5 per cent increase over the previous quarter and a 3.4 per cent increase when compared to fourth quarter 2015.
“In the fourth quarter of 2016, the labor force population increased to 81.15 million from 80.67 million in the third quarter of 2016, representing an increase of 0.6 per cent in the labor force during the quarter.
“This means about 482,689 persons from the economically active population entered the labor force during the quarter, that is individuals that were able, willing and actively looking for work.”
