“Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.”[35]

Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.

A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments and under-consumption lead to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress. . The creation of quality jobs is a major challenge in Nigeria.

Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs that stimulate the economy while not harming the environment. Job opportunities and decent working conditions are also required for the whole working age population.

Achieving higher productivity will require diversity and upgraded technology along with innovation, entrepreneurship and the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some targets are for 2030; others are for 2020. By 2020 the target is to reduce youth unemployment and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment.