By Esther Ososanya
Nigeria’s job market is increasingly testing the resilience of graduates and young professionals, with new reports highlighting three growing challenges: fake job adverts, unfair employment processes, and the infamous “experience trap.”
In an exclusive interview with Pinnacle Daily, finance assistant administrative officer Bashir Ibrahim, tech entrepreneur Fred Johnson, and workplace commentator Olumuyiwa Akin shared strong perspectives on what must change if Nigeria is to build a fairer and safer employment ecosystem.
Nigeria’s Labour Market at a Glance
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s official unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in Q1 2024, up from 5.0% in Q3 2023.
However, beneath this seemingly positive trend lies a troubling reality: underemployment remains widespread, with 9.2% of Nigerians working fewer hours than they desire.
Unemployment also remains disproportionately high among young people (8.4%) and women (6.2%).
While Nigeria’s unemployment figures may suggest improvement, the lived reality tells a more complex story. Young professionals continue to navigate unstable jobs, low wages, and systemic barriers. Until structural reforms and transparency in recruitment are enforced, the job market risks remaining a mirage for millions.
Nigeria’s Job Market at a Glance (NBS Data)
| Category | Q1 2023 | Q3 2023 | Q1 2024 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 5.3% | 5.0% | 4.3% | Gradual decline in headline figures |
| Underemployment | – | 12.3% | 9.2% | Many Nigerians working fewer hours than desired |
| Combined (Unemp + Underemp) | – | 17.3% | – | Reflects broader job scarcity |
| Urban Areas | – | – | 6.0% | Higher unemployment than rural |
| Rural Areas | – | – | 4.3% | Slightly better than urban |
| Youth (15–24 yrs) | – | 8.6% | 8.4% | Persistent youth joblessness |
| Male Unemployment | – | – | 4.3% | Lower than female |
| Female Unemployment | – | – | 6.2% | Higher gender gap |
| Self-Employed (Informal Sector) | – | 87.3% | – | Shows dependence on informal work |
While Nigeria’s unemployment figures may suggest improvement, the lived reality tells a more
complex story. Young professionals continue to navigate unstable jobs, low wages, and systemic
barriers. Until structural reforms and transparency in recruitment are enforced, the job market risks remaining a mirage for millions.
The Growing Threat of Fake Job Adverts
Bashir Ibrahim raised alarm over the rise of fraudulent job postings, particularly on professional platforms like LinkedIn and popular recruitment websites. These scams often promise foreign employment, high salaries, or visa sponsorship, only to lure desperate job seekers into sharing sensitive personal details.
“These adverts contain fake application links designed to steal information such as passport details, bank accounts, and login credentials. Victims usually find out too late that the jobs don’t exist,” he warned. Ibrahim advised job seekers to verify postings on official company websites, avoid suspicious links, and remember that offers that sound too good to be true often are.
The ‘Catch-22’ of Nigerian Graduates
Workplace analyst Olumuyiwa Akin described the Nigerian job hunt as a catch-22 situation. “You need a job to get experience, and you need experience to get a job. It’s an endless loop,” he noted.
Akin argued that employers need to rethink their approach by offering internships, traineeships, and entry-level programs instead of demanding years of experience upfront.
For graduates, Akin advised starting small through volunteering, freelancing, or short-term internships.
He also called for more platforms where graduates without formal experience can prove their knowledge, purpose, and drive. “We need to give young Nigerians a fair chance to grow into the roles they aspire to,” he emphasized.
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The Experience Trap: A Barrier to Entry
Tech entrepreneur Fred Johnson recounted how he outsmarted the employment system’s obsession with experience.
“The moment I heard recruiters always demand experience even for entry-level roles, I quickly volunteered at an NGO for one year,” he said.
Volunteering and internships are strategic moves for graduates to gain exposure, build relevant skills, and increase employability.
His advice to job seekers: “Don’t wait. Volunteer in roles you’re passionate about within your preferred industry. That’s how you build credibility.”
Solutions Lie in Collective Action
The consensus from experts is that Nigeria’s job market must evolve to balance fairness, transparency, and opportunity.
Fake job adverts continue to exploit desperate applicants, while outdated hiring practices trap fresh graduates in an endless cycle of rejection.
However, solutions lie in collective action: fairer recruitment processes by employers, vigilance by job seekers, and stronger platforms to nurture entry-level talent.
Until then, millions of Nigerian graduates remain caught in a paradox full of potential, but locked out by a system that demands what it refuses to provide.
Analyst have canvassed for stakeholders government, employers, and educational institutions to collaborate in creating a more inclusive and transparent job market in Nigeria.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
