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Is NBS Unemployment Data Doctored ? NLC Thinks So
He argued that the data was inconsistent with the deteriorating economic landscape characterized by factory closures, dwindling manufacturing activity, and rising inventories.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has differed with the latest drop in Nigeria’s unemployment rate as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
While the nbs, yesterday, reported that Nigeria’s unemployment rate declined to 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2024 from the 5.3 per cent recorded in Q1 2024, thus signalling improved labour market conditions., NLC said that the report contradicts economic realities.
According to the nbs, the Labour Force Participation Rate rose to 79.5 per cent, up from 77.3 per cent in the previous quarter, highlighting increased workforce engagement.
The Employment-to-Population Ratio also showed significant improvement, climbing to 76.1 per cent in Q2 2024 from 73.2 per cent in Q1 2024.
This indicates that a higher proportion of the working-age population was gainfully employed during the period.
Also, self-employment remained dominant, accounting for 85.6 per cent of total employment, an increase from 84 per cent in the preceding quarter. Informal employment also rose slightly to 93.0 per cent, highlighting the economy’s reliance on informal jobs.Urban unemployment stood at 5.2 per cent, a reduction from 6.0 per cent in Q1 2024.
The report further revealed gender disparities, with the unemployment rate for females at 5.1 per cent, compared to 3.4 per cent for males.
However, the NLC in its scrutiny of the report, labelled the report as a “voodoo document” that fails to reflect the stark realities Nigerians face daily.
The National Assistant General – Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Chris Onyeka, dismissed the claim that unemployment is decreasing, calling it a “fabrication designed to mislead the public.”
He argued that the data was inconsistent with the deteriorating economic landscape characterized by factory closures, dwindling manufacturing activity, and rising inventories.
“Unemployment cannot be coming down in Nigeria when factories are closing shops. “It cannot be coming down when there is increasing inventory and reduced consumer spending. If anything, unemployment is increasing,” he stated.
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BREAKING: Nigerian Air Force fighter jet crashes in Niger State (Video)
A Nigerian Air Force fighter jet has crashed in Niger State.
The aircraft went down near Karabonde village in Borgu Local Government Area this afternoon.
Initial reports from military sources confirm that both pilots ejected safely and survived the crash with no fatalities reported.
Authorities have ruled out hostile action, stating that the incident was caused by a technical/mechanical fault.
Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the crash site. Further details are awaited.
Watch vvideo below:
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Emeka Monye of ARISE NEWS Launches N1m Award for Anambra’s Top WAEC Student Annually
Renowned journalist and media strategist, Emeka Monye, has launched an annual award of N1 million for the best-performing student in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Anambra State.
The award, which is aimed at promoting academic excellence, is open to all Anambra students – both public and private schools – who sat for the WAEC examination.
Monye, who is the Anambra State Correspondent for ARISE TV, said the initiative is part of his efforts to give back to the society and encourage students to strive for excellence.
According to Monye, the award is a way of recognizing and rewarding outstanding academic achievement, and he hopes that it will inspire other students to work hard and emulate the winner’s success.
The award winner will be selected based on their performance in the WAEC examination, and the announcement is expected to be made soon.
Monye, who has been a driving force in media innovation, has instituted this award to motivate students to aim high and achieve their goals.
He believes that education is key to personal and societal development, and this initiative is his way of contributing to the growth and development of Anambra State.
The launch of this award has been welcomed by the state COMMSIONER for education, Prof. NGOZI Chuma-Udeh who described the initiative as a great motivator for students to excel academically. Prof. Chuma-Udeh, while receiving the founder and initiator of the EMEKA MONYE SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE, Emeka Monye in her office, asked other well-meaning individuals to emulate the good gesture of the journalist whose charity work will make impact in the education sector.
The award, which commences in 2026 academic session and runs through to 2035, is expected to be presented annually in the sum of one hundred thousand naira for the next ten years, and Monye has called on other stakeholders to join him in promoting education and academic excellence in the state in particular and the country as a whole.
News
Truck Drivers Block Obajana-Kabba Highway, Causing Massive Gridlock in Kogi State
Motorists were stranded on the Obajana-Kabba Highway in Kogi State following a roadblock staged by truck drivers, bringing traffic to a complete halt on the busy federal route.

The blockade has triggered severe congestion, leaving thousands of vehicles unable to proceed in either direction and forcing travelers to seek alternative paths.

The protest reportedly began after a dispute between the truck drivers and security operatives along the road. While full details of the incident are yet to be confirmed, the drivers parked their articulated vehicles across the highway in protest, effectively shutting down the corridor.

The disruption comes at a particularly busy time, with many residents traveling to attend funerals, weddings, and political functions across Kabba and neighboring communities.
Frustrated motorists have resorted to diverting through Okene, resulting in heavy traffic buildup on the alternative route and extended travel delays across the region.

As at press time, authorities are yet to intervene or issue an official statement on efforts to clear the highway and restore free flow of traffic.
Commuters are urged to avoid the Obajana-Kabba route until the situation is resolved.
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