Do you know that the Nigerian economy is one of the largest economies in Africa?
The Nigerian economy has the largest economy in Africa and the world.
And this economy is determined by the five biggest employment industries in Nigeria.
Which are petroleum, agriculture, healthcare, banking, and information and communications technology (ICT).
Why should you consider choosing a career in these biggest employment industries?
As a student, choosing from one of these industries will give you an edge to find a high-paying job in the future.
Why? Because most high-income earners in Nigeria are skilled workers such as surgeons, biochemists, petroleum engineers, farm managers, etc.
And these biggest employment industries in Nigeria will provide many job opportunities for students who have acquired the skills needed.
However, as a Nigerian student, you should know that working towards a career that will offer financial stability, security, and growth is where future success is.
Meanwhile, if you are considering a career change or you are skeptical about the industry to choose, this article will guide you.
This article will reveal the industry that matches your career and the skills required.
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The Top 5 Biggest Employment Industries In Nigeria
1. Petroleum
Petroleum is the largest and most powerful industry in Nigeria. Also, Nigeria is one of the top ten largest oil producers in the world.
The petroleum industry increases the country's economy and is also responsible for building our exports.
Crude oil and petroleum account for 98% of the nation's annual exports and generate 14% of our gross domestic product (GDP).
And these GDPs are responsible for 83% of the country's revenue.
The Nigerian petroleum industry is a large sector that provides career opportunities for both technical and non-technical professionals.
Some of the various careers you can choose in the petroleum industry are Drilling Engineering, Energy engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Geochemistry, Mud logging, Petroleum Economics, and so on.
2. Agriculture Industry
Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Nigeria. This industry accounts for approximated 18% of the country's GDP.
It is an essential source of employment and revenue for millions of Nigerians. And it employs about 30% of the country's labour force.
People in the agricultural sector mostly grow and process cash crops, including cocoa, peanuts, cotton, and palm oil. They also grow animals for commercial purposes, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and fish.
Agriculture is vital to all Nigerians, and it promotes the economy. Hence, it is no wonder that the said livelihood has become one of the biggest employment industries in Nigeria.
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Choose a career in Agriculture Industry.
Agricultural occupations in Nigeria are beneficial and profitable.
Some of the professions in the Agriculture Industry are Agriculture economists, Farm managers, Commercial Horticulturalist, Soil and Plant Scientists, Agriculture Engineering, and many more.
3. Healthcare
One of the largest job sectors in Nigeria is the healthcare sector, which provides medical treatment to improve the well-being of individuals.
Investment in top medical care and the overall healthcare sectors has birthed one of the most sought-after employment industries in the country.
Many Nigerians want to make wealth in the lucrative healthcare industry. However, the healthcare industry requires competent and skilled people from many backgrounds, including doctors and nurses.
Also, there is high demand for these positions and irrespective of your profession, you can apply for them in the healthcare industry.
The Healthcare industry needs additional doctors and nurses. Moreover, the benefits are worth the years of study and hard work to become a healthcare practitioner.
Healthcare is a wide-spanning industry encompassing a variety of jobs with high incomes.
Some of the diverse professions in the healthcare industry are Doctors, Nurses, Dietitians, Surgeons, Pharmacists, Medical Technologists, Physical Therapists, Dentists, and so on.
4. Banking Industry
The banking industry is an industry that handles cash, credit, and other financial transactions for individual consumers and businesses alike.
Banking provides the liquidity needed for families and businesses to invest in the future and is one of the major drivers of the country's economy.
The Nigerian banking industry is robust, contributing 2.5% of its GDP and employing more than 100,000 people.
The performance of the industry has improved since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) consolidation exercise reduced the number of banks from 100 to about 30 some years ago.
Since the merger, bank personnel has expanded significantly, and many financial institutions have improved asset quality.
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Choosing A Career In The Banking Industry
Getting a job in banking may be a wise choice if you have an interest in money management and financial transaction procedures.
Why? Because it is one of the biggest employers of labour in the country.
And you can take up jobs in the banking sector if you have at least a Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Some of the professions in the Banking industry are Accountant, Financial Analyst, Relationship Manager, Mortgage Consultant, Loan Processor, Banker, Treasurer, and many more.
5. Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
In 2019, the ICT industry contributed 13.04 per cent to the country's GDP.
The digital world in Nigeria is changing, and industry authorities are working to increase broadband penetration to increase ICT’s contribution to the nation’s economic development.
Studies have shown that ICT grew during the first quarter of 2021 by 6.47%.
The ICT sector also remains one of the biggest employers in Nigeria because professionals in this field get jobs easily.
Internet coverage is expanding in Nigeria, and most businesses use internet technology to run their businesses.
Digital skills for work and life are becoming essential and compulsory in a country dependent on technology.
Choosing An ICT Career
As digital technology disrupts conventional business practices in Nigeria, job possibilities exist for individuals in many areas.
Some of the high demanding job titles in Nigerian ICT include Software engineering, telecommunications engineering, network engineering, project management, sales, and customer service professionals.
The Federal government has provided internet infrastructure to boost internet coverage in rural and urban communities.
So, if you have brilliant ideas or love technology, the industry can be a smart move.
Conclusion
Many university students in Nigeria end up not studying their dream courses because of desperation, school of choice, and other reasons.
If you want to get a good job and jumpstart your career as a Nigerian graduate, going to a higher institution and choosing a course should not be a game of gambling.
So, with the unemployment rate in the country, choosing from these top 5 biggest industries in Nigeria as a graduate could be all you need to succeed.
