Briefing Paper

Promoting and Supporting Informal Sector Activities in Nigeria during the Period of Economic Crisis

Nigeria has the largest, and arguably the most dynamic, informal sector in sub-Saharan Africa. Informal activities are estimated to have increased from approximately 50 per cent of the urban workforce in the late 1970s to 65 per cent
by the late 1980s. This policy brief is based on the findings of one of CPED’s research projects, relating to the challenges facing the informal sector during a period of a worldwide economic crisis. This policy brief is designed to inform policy makers and those stakeholders involved in activities – to enhance the capacities of informal sector enterprises in Nigeria.