CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1.   Background to the Study

Nigeria is characterized with a ‘dualistic’ (dual) labour market in which the minority of workers has regular formal sector jobs, while majority works in informal sector, with a large pool of surplus labour. This is seen from its rapidly increasing labour force. For instance, the labour force increased from 25.7 million persons in 1980 to 33.9 million persons in 1990 and further increased to 45 million and 52.7 million persons in 2000 and 2006 respectively(CBN,1993). In addition to this, statistical evidences from the government show that the absolute number of total employment in the country has been steadily increasing since 1980. For instance, total employment increased steadily from 18.6 million in 1980 to 22.1 million in 1990, which further rose to 27.5 million in 2000 and later to 34.4 million in 2006.

However, in spite of the country’s large pool of surplus labour, rapidly growing labour force and increasing employment, the share of employed workers in total labour force has been declining since 1980, coupled with this, in the last two decade, the trend has been below 70%, which is an indication of high unemployment as more than 30% of its active population are unemployed. For

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instance, in 1980, the participation rate was 69%, however, the share of employed in total labour force is given as 72.4% which is indicative that about 27.6% of the labour force are unemployed in this period. However, in 1990, while the participation rate increased to 71%, share of employment in total labour force declined to 65.2% (CBN, 1993). In 2000, both the share of employment in total labour force and participation rate further declined to 61.1% and 70% respectively. However, in 2006, share of employment in total labour force marginally rose to 61.5% while the participation rate marginally fell 69%. In the same vein, 27.6% of the labour force was unemployed in 1980 and this rose to 34.8% in 1990 and further rose to 38.9% and 38.5% in 2000 and 2006, respectively. These trends are indicative of a huge employment problem as the economy’s capacity to absorb its rising labour force is low as more than 30% of its active population is unemployed.

In addition, imports value increased from U$1058.9 million in 1970 to US$16646.4 million in 1980 but fell to US$5687.9 million in 1990. However, it rose again in 2000 to US$9647 million and rose further to US$33398.1 million in 2006(CBN, 2007). This trend is not surprising as Nigeria is highly dependant on imports for most of its raw materials inputs (Oyejide, 1986) and the employment effect of these imports might be positive if a significant portion of imports serves as inputs for labour intensive industries. However, this trend has given rise to debates in developing countries where concerns have been expressed over the loss

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of jobs due to import competition (Ghose, 2003) and deindustrialization (Pierper, 1998) as result of increased imports. It is on this basis that the study seeks to determine the specific effect of imports on employment in Nigeria.

In terms of Nigeria’s exports, prior to 1970, Nigeria export was largely dominated by non-oil products (Osuntogun et al. 1997, Oyejide 1986). However, since the oil boom of 1973/74, the bulk of Nigerian exports have been mainly oil export, while the share of non-oil exports in total exports has continued to remain under 5.5% for about the last 2 decades and these non-oil exports have been growing very slowly over time (CBN, 1993). In 1970, non-oil exports accounted for as high as 42.4% of total exports but gradually started fading out and by 1980; it has declined to 3.9%. This further declined to 3.0% in 1990 and by 2000; it was as low as 1.3% before slightly increasing 2.3% in 2006(NBS, 2006). This occurrence has transformed the country from a net exporter of agricultural produce in the 1960s and early 1970s to a large scale importer of the same commodity (Oyejide, 1986) and the consequent decline in agriculture shows that Nigeria is not fully engaging its surplus labour in food production and other agricultural production. In addition, the oil export which dominates the exports basket of the country typically generates little employment, most especially since a large quantity of the crude oil is exported in unprocessed form.

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However, government has tried to reverse this trend through the implementation of policies to diversify the country’s export base away from oil so as to promote stronger export performance. Such export policy includes export promotion strategies in which incentives were given for the promotion of non-oil exports particularly agriculture and labour intensive manufactures (Kareem O.I. 2007). As noted by Carneiro and Arbache (2003) and Rama (2003), export promotion improves employment level in countries embracing the strategies. Therefore, there had been an ongoing argument between government and public, while the former opined that her export promotion policies have increased the level of employment, majority of the people believe that unemployment is on the rise; it is against this backdrop that we consider it interesting to determine whether the flow of exports have brought any significant effect on employment in Nigeria.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The problem of unemployment is a serious deficiency to any economy; this is why one of the main macroeconomic objectives of any country is to attain full employment. The issue of employment is paramount to Africa and Nigeria in particular, where high-level poverty is obvious with rising unemployment rates.

However, in order to combat the problem of poverty, Oni (2006) argued that reducing the level of unemployment will increase the income level in the economy and thereby reduce the level of poverty. To increase the level of employment, some

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scholars have argued that the flows of goods and services (trade flows) could propel employment generation, especially in developing countries.

Based on the above problems this research intends to answer the following question:

·        To what extent can International Trade flows generate employment in Nigeria?

·        How would Nigeria’s Trade help in enhancing job creation to its people?

1.3. Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of trade flows on employment generation in Nigeria. Specifically, to examine;

i.       The impact of both export and import growth rates on employment generation,

ii.     Whether the relationship between trade flows and employment is a long run or short run or both, and

iii.  Then recommend appropriate policies.

1.4. Significance of the Study

The research intends to examine primarily how trade flows affect employment in Nigeria. Thus the study will be of paramount significance and will contribute to the

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literature on international trade flows and employment in many folds. Firstly, the study will provide empirical evidence which will serve as research ingredient in this particular area. Secondly, it will assist government in policy formulation on the area of international trade and employment.

Thirdly, the research will serve as a catalyst for managing and improving employment issues by the labour union in the country. Fourthly, Nigeria's historical, trade and economic linkages serve as justification to evaluate her trade patterns and labour market impacts.

In sum, this study will contribute to a better understanding of the employment effects of trade flows in Nigeria. It will also contribute to existing knowledge in terms of the scope of the study, inclusion of relevant variables, and a rigorous and encompassing methodology that will bridge the gaps in the literature. Therefore, it is very important to examine how trade flows affect employment in Nigeria.

1.5. Research Questions of the Study

This study intends to provide answers to these questions:

1.   To what extent is the growth rate of aggregate employment attributable to export growth rate?

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To what extent is the growth rate of aggregate employment attributable to imports growth rate?

2.     Does a long or short run relationship or both exist between trade flows and employment?

3.     To what extent is Nigeria’s total employment growth rate attributed to domestic factors and external factors?

1.6. Research Hypotheses of the Study

The study’s working null hypotheses are:

Ho1: There is no significance relationship between exports growth rate and aggregate employment rate.

Ho2: There is no significance relationship between imports growth rate and aggregate employment rate.

1.7. Scope of the Study

This study will establish the link between trade flow and employment in Nigeria for the period 1981 to 2006 for which data is available.

1.8. Limitations of the study

The study would have been more accurately analyzed, but a research work of this nature cannot be exhaustive and complete. This short fall is attributed to time and material constraint involved in making the research. Inadequacy of literature about employment also limits the research project.

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