Assessing the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Unemployment Rate in Nigeria

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that high rate of unemployment as currently witnessed in Nigeria, is one of the factors that can undermine the attainment of goal eight (Decent work and Economic growth) of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by year 2030. Since foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important factor in creating jobs and improving economic growth, it is considered a veritable tool for reducing the unemployment level. Although there have been studies on FDI and unemployment in literature, there is hardly any study on the impact of FDI on rural and urban unemployment. The study pursued threefold objectives which are to ascertain the impact of FDI on aggregate unemployment in Nigeria; to examine the impact of FDI on urban unemployment rate in Nigeria and to determine the impact of FDI on rural unemployment in Nigeria. The study utilized data from 1990 to 2020 as well as dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) which eliminates problems of endogeneity and serial correlation. The theoretical framework of the study is anchored on the Keynesian theory of unemployment. The result obtained showed that FDI has a significant impact on aggregate and urban unemployment in Nigeria. However, FDI did not impact significantly on rural unemployment in Nigeria. To effectively use FDI to reduce unemployment, the Nigerian government needs to create an enabling business environment, including favorable investment policies, streamlined regulatory procedures, and infrastructure development plans. Encouraging collaboration between foreign investors and local stakeholders, promoting technology transfer, and implementing strategies to enhance the skill levels of the local workforce are also important aspects to consider.