THE IMPACT OF NON OIL EXPORT ON UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN NIGERIA FOR THE PERIOD (1981-2017)

Abstract

This study determined the trend of non oil export and unemployment rate in Nigeria. The study also examined the relationship between non oil export and unemployment rate in Nigeria. This is with the view to examining the impact of non oil export on unemployment rate in Nigeria for the period 1981 to 2017. The study employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL Model). Data on Unemployment (UEM); Non-oil Export (NONX); Gross Domestic Product (GDP); Exchange Rate (EXCHR); Inflation (INF) and Government Expenditure (GXP) were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin 2018 edition. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential tools. The result of the descriptive analysis shows that both non oil export and unemployment rate have been on the increase over the study period. The regression estimate shows that non oil export had insignificant influence on unemployment rate in Nigeria. The study concluded that non oil export has not contributed to reducing the rising level of unemployment rate in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that there is the need for the government to put in place policies that would enhance the performance of the non oil sector such as the provision of mechanized equipments and improved seedlings for investors in the agricultural sector.