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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The informal sector as a catalyst for employment generation in Lagos State, Nigeria
Author:Akinwale, Akeem AyofeISNI
Year:2012
Periodical:African and Asian Studies (ISSN 1569-2094)
Volume:11
Issue:3
Pages:315-344
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:informal sector
employment
employment creation
social networks
on-the-job training
occupational choice
External link:https://doi.org/10.1163/15692108-12341236
Abstract:Unemployment remains high in Nigeria due to disintegration between the formal and informal sectors, among other factors. While the unemployed largely focus on the formal sector in search of jobs, there is inadequate interest in the informal sector. Yet, this sector provides livelihoods for the majority of the population. This paper examines the informal sector as a catalyst for generating employment in Lagos State, Nigeria, using the Social Capital Theory and a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected from 480 apprentices, 40 masters, 20 journeymen, and 120 members of various communities through a structured questionnaire, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), respectively. The findings showed that 64.8 percent of the respondents reported parental sponsorship of vocations in the informal sector, 14.2 percent of the respondents were self-sponsored, and the remainders (18.5 percent and 2.5 percent) were reportedly sponsored by their relatives and masters. Awareness of opportunities for self-employment in the informal sector was demonstrated by 71 percent of the respondents. However, 66.3 percent of the respondents thought that schooling could be better than vocations in the informal sector. Planning for self-employment was significantly influenced by several factors including gender, age, occupation of the mother, career plan, and satisfaction within the informal sector. The informal sector is vital for survival of youth in Lagos State, Nigeria. This sector should be supported for poverty eradication and entrepreneurial development. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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