THE IMPACT OF FEMALE LABOUR FORCE ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF NIGERIA (1980-2010)

ABSTRACT

A countrys labour force consists of everyone of the working age, typically above the age of seventeen and below the retirement age of sixty five. They are characterized by those who are actively employed or seeking employment. The focus of this study is to determine the impact of female participation in labour force on the economic growth in Nigeria between the periods of 1980 2010. The research also seeks to investigate the determinants of female contribution to economic growth in Nigeria. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between female labour force and economic growth in Nigeria GDP.The data used was sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics of various years as well as the CBN Statistical Bulletin volume 21 December, 2010. The ordinary least square method OLS was chosen as the estimation tool because of its advantage over other estimation techniques.The major finding was that female labour force employment has a positive impact on the gross domestic product GDP of the Nigeria economy. Based on the findings, some recommendations of policy and suggestions have been made.