Men’s Day 2024: Men's Contributions to the Nigerian Labour Force
The celebration of International Men’s Day was yesterday, November 19th. As such, we celebrate the importance of men in society. We have them as Fathers, partners, colleagues and friends. We celebrate their impact on the Nigerian Labour Force, and while making impact, they need to take their health seriously for more productivity.
Over the years, men have played an active role in Nigeria's labour force, which begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.
The labour force consists of individuals who are either employed or eligible for employment and can contribute to the country's economic output.
As of 2022, the labour force participation rate among males in Nigeria was 65.5%, compared to 52.1% for females.
A World Bank Report shows that 80% of men and 50% are actively involved in the global labour force system.
In 2023, the Nigerian labour force reached over 75.5 million. The previous year, around 73.3 million people were economically active.
In the workplace, the total employed male population in Nigeria is estimated at almost 40 million, while the number of female employees is projected to be lower, at around 31.3 million.
Men Contribute More to the Labour Force From Childhood
More male children engage in economic activities, a gender productivity that extends into adulthood. This is gleaned from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021.
The percentage of male children between the ages of 5 and 11 who worked for at least an hour a week was 40%, compared with 36.1% for female children.
Also, 481 in every 1000 male children aged 12 to 14 work less than 14 hours weekly. However, it is 478 out of 1000 female children of the same age group who work to earn money for themselves or family.
For children working above 14 hours per week, more male children work than female children. The figure here is 197 in 1000 male children and 133 in 1000 female children working above 14 hours per week.
The gender gap continues as the children grow into their latter childhood years, ages 15-17. Here, 718 in 1000 male children work 43 hours weekly while it is 630 in 1000 females.
Even with children who work more than 43 hours weekly, the males still lead the labour force. Here, 21 in 1000 male children work beyond 43 hours weekly compared to 7 in 1000 female children.
Men's Health Status
However, a health survey has shown that despite their greater involvement and productivity, men are more likely to be diagnosed with several health conditions, like malaria and typhoid.
According to the survey, 90% of men were diagnosed with malaria, 35% were diagnosed with Typhoid, and 2% were diagnosed with diabetes.
Among other health-related issues, 3% of men had flu, 2% contracted infection, 1% had catarrh and 1% had clothed blood.
A study shows that when you prioritize your physical and mental health and practice effective self-care, you become better equipped to tackle the stress and demands of life, and you improve your focus and concentration, increasing productivity at work and in your personal life.
On International Men’s Day, men should prioritize their health to maintain strong relationships, fulfill their responsibilities, and set positive examples for their loved ones.
Also, a healthy man can contribute more fully to family life and create a nurturing environment for everyone involved.
The World Health Organisation(W.H.O) recommends that ‘‘engaging men and facilitating their participation in paid and unpaid care, prevention of violence against women and sharing responsibility for reproductive health are key interventions needed to achieve global goals on gender equality and to accelerate progress in achieving health goals”.