摘要：The unemployment problem in contemporary Nigeria reveals a gloomy labour market situation, not only for the illiterates and the less educated, but also graduates from tertiary educational institutions. The rapid increase in Nigeria urban population witnessed since the 1970's as a result of the oil boom is a reflection of the rate of increase in total population, a great number of this increase in the urban population has been due to migration from rural areas in search of employment and income opportunities. Despite the considerable expansion in the formal sector and go vernment related activities, the poor employment prospects in the formal sector in recent times have necessitated the consideration of employment in the informal sector. An in-depth interview of about 200 participants in informal sector activities was conducted. Using descriptive analysis, information regarding individual workers and their household and labour histories was analyzed. Empirical survey evidence showed that the bulk of the new entrants to the urban labour force seem to create their own employment and income by engaging in the production and distribution of goods and services in the informal sector. Also the study shows that there have been some shifts in the educational composition of the labour force in the informal sector. Therefore, there is need for a well articulated official policy as an integral part of a national policy on employment and an incentive scheme for the informal sector
