LAGOS, Nigeria — Only 10.5% of Nigerian women participate in formal wage employment, according to a new World Bank report cited by local media. The findings underscore persistent gender gaps in Africa’s largest economy, where women disproportionately work in informal or unpaid roles.
The report, which analyzed labor force data from 2022-2024, found Nigerian women face systemic barriers including cultural norms, limited access to education in rural areas, and workplace discrimination. ‘When women do secure wage jobs, they earn 30% less than male counterparts on average,’ noted one analyst familiar with the research.
Officials at Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs acknowledged the disparity but highlighted recent initiatives like the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy. ‘We’re implementing vocational programs and childcare subsidies to improve participation,’ a ministry spokesperson told reporters.
Economists warn the trend could hamper Nigeria’s GDP growth, with the IMF estimating full gender parity could add 23% to national output. However, some local business leaders argue the data overlooks women’s dominance in Nigeria’s thriving informal sector, which accounts for over 60% of economic activity.