Equality of Opportunity is Smart Economics



Even though conventional wisdom upholds the notion that rapid economic growth would generate more jobs, the laudable growth rate of the Nigerian economy has been accompanied by a worsening in human development, poverty, inequality and unemployment. Furthermore, while economic policies are expected to impact positively on employment, Nigeria’s employment policies seem to have done little to fill the ever-widening employment gap. 

 Besides, a gendered analysis of Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape indicates that women tend to fare worse than men on many of the employment indicators; yet, no society’s prosperity story can ever be told without recourse to the contribution of women. These paradoxical scenarios call for inquiry.


In a recent discourse paper, I and Oyebanke of Columbia University provide an exposition on Nigeria’s employment situation vis-à-vis her trajectory of policy choices since independence. Stirred by the cliché ‘development that is not engendered is endangered’’, the paper highlights institutional and miscellaneous factors that contribute to the labour market conditions of women in Nigeria. 

 The study posits that diversification of the Nigerian economy and adoption of labour-intensive production systems with equal opportunities for all is essential. It alludes to the fact that greater equality of opportunity tends to boost economic productivity and improve development outcomes for the next generation while making institutions and policies more representative.

In furtherance of equality of opportunity, the paper argued in support of policies that strengthen the productive capacities of small and medium enterprises, which tend to be drivers of employment growth in the economy and for women in particular. 

 It also advocates the integration of a decent work agenda – such that promotes full and productive employment, rights at work, social protection and the promotion of social dialogue – into future employment policies. 

 On the whole, the drive towards greater equality of opportunity necessitates greater access to infrastructure for better livelihood and the promotion human capital development.  

Going forward, it is pertinent to note that without a gendered approach, Nigeria’s transformation agenda may remain elusive. As such, promoting equality of opportunity must transit from mere lip-services to on-the-ground commitments.

The discussion continues…

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