Nigeria Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
Nigeria's unemployment rate was 3.06% in December 2025, up from 3.04% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 3.04%.
Nigeria's unemployment rate stands at 3.06% as of December 2025. Over the latest readings, the unemployment rate has moved within a band of 3.04% to 5.71%. The most recent figure of 3.06% is up from 3.04% a year earlier, and is 0.02% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, Nigeria ranks #174 on unemployment rate by latest value. It rose from 3.04% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 3.04%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 3.06% |
| Dec 2024 | 3.04% |
| Dec 2023 | 3.07% |
| Dec 2022 | 3.83% |
| Dec 2021 | 5.40% |
| Dec 2020 | 5.71% |
| Dec 2019 | 5.21% |
| Dec 2018 | 5.07% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in Nigeria in 2026?
Nigeria's unemployment rate was 3.06% in December 2025, up from 3.04% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 3.04%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in Nigeria?
It rose in the latest reading — 3.06% in December 2025 versus 3.04% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.