Prioritizing Labour-Intensive Intra-Economic Strategies for Inclusive Economic Development in Nigeria

Chinomnso Daniel Umejiaku

doi:10.56201/ijebm.vol.12.no2.2026.pg132.141

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Prioritizing Labour-Intensive Intra-Economic Strategies for Inclusive Economic Development in Nigeria

Chinomnso Daniel Umejiaku

Abstract

Nigeria’s persistent challenges of mass unemployment, widespread poverty, and socio-economic inequality continue to question the effectiveness of dominant macroeconomic policy orientations that prioritize growth indicators over human welfare. Despite successive economic reforms, the benefits of growth have remained largely exclusionary, with limited impact on the livelihoods of the common man. This article argues that the intentional prioritization of labor-intensive intra- economic initiatives constitutes a more viable and inclusive pathway to sustainable economic development in Nigeria. Conceptually, the study distinguishes between macro-economic initiatives, which focus on aggregate indicators such as GDP growth, inflation control, and external balances, and intra-economic initiatives, which emphasize internal productive activities, employment generation, and grassroots economic participation. Anchored on development economics and structural transformation theories, the paper adopts a qualitative, analytical approach, drawing from policy documents, existing empirical studies, and Nigerian scholarly perspectives. The analysis demonstrates that labor-intensive sectors such as agriculture, agro- processing, small-scale manufacturing, construction, and informal enterprises possess significant potential to absorb Nigeria’s large labor force, stimulate domestic demand, and reduce poverty. The paper further contends that neglecting these sectors in favour of capital- intensive and externally driven growth strategies has deepened unemployment and social vulnerability. It concludes that a deliberate policy shift toward labor-intensive intra-economic initiatives supported by targeted public investment, institutional reforms, access to credit, and skills development can promote inclusive growth and restore economic relevance to the majority of Nigerians. The article therefore recommends a development framework that places employment creation and human welfare at the center

Keywords

Economic DevelopmentLabor-Intensive InitiativesIntra-Economic DevelopmentEmployment GenerationInclusive GrowthNigerian Economy.

References

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Prioritizing Labour-Intensive Intra-Economic Strategies for Inclusive Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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