Assessing The Influence Of Ai On Employment Trends In Nigeria’S Informal And Gig Sectors
Amaka Grace Nwankwo
Department of Economics, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
This paper examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment models and the gig economy in Nigeria. As AI technologies advance, they offer promising improvements in efficiency, productivity, and service delivery across sectors. However, these innovations also introduce significant challenges, particularly concerning workforce displacement, job security, and the growing need for continuous upskilling. In the context of Nigeria's expanding gig economy, AI presents a dual-edged opportunity—it may drive the creation of flexible job opportunities while simultaneously intensifying income inequality and job precarity.
The research highlights a shift toward skills-based hiring, where employers increasingly prioritize competencies over formal qualifications. This shift, enabled in part by AI-powered platforms and remote work technologies, is diminishing geographic barriers and reshaping traditional employment dynamics. With the workforce becoming more multigenerational and digital, workers are gravitating toward gig work models that offer greater autonomy and adaptability.
The paper emphasizes that for Nigeria to benefit fully from AI-driven changes in the labor market, a coordinated response is essential. Policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions must collaborate to ensure inclusive access to digital literacy and reskilling initiatives. Moreover, ethical considerations such as fairness, equity, and digital inclusion must be central to the deployment of AI systems.
Ultimately, embracing AI responsibly while fostering a supportive ecosystem for gig workers will be critical in ensuring that the future of work in Nigeria is not only technologically advanced but also socially inclusive and economically sustainable