Female breadwinners are now leading 22.3% of Nigerian households, according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This figure reflects a 3.7% increase from the previous survey conducted by the bureau.
The report, released on November 21, is part of the 5th General Household Survey panel (GHS-panel), which tracks welfare indicators and socio-economic trends in Nigeria.
The NBS noted that female-headed households are more common in urban areas than in rural areas.
The report stated, “Female-headed households are more prevalent in urban areas at 24.9% compared to 21.1% in rural areas.”
This data provides a closer look at how gender roles in Nigerian families are shifting, especially in urban centers where women are increasingly stepping up as breadwinners.
Experts believe this trend reflects deeper socio-economic changes, including migration, education, and economic opportunities for women in cities.
The GHS-panel survey covered 4,715 households across 518 Enumeration Areas, ensuring detailed data collection.
Household consumption, agricultural activities, and living standards were closely monitored through biannual visits, providing an accurate picture of life in Nigeria.
The rise in female breadwinners comes amid broader challenges facing Nigerian households, including inflation, unemployment, and high living costs.
Social scientists suggest that the increasing leadership of women in homes shows their resilience in addressing these challenges.
A gender analyst, Mrs. Bola Fagbamila, called the trend “a sign of the changing dynamics in Nigerian society.”
She said, “This shows how women are increasingly taking responsibility for their families’ welfare. Many of them are stepping into roles traditionally held by men.”
The survey also highlights the divide between rural and urban areas, where opportunities for women differ greatly.
Urban women benefit from better access to education, formal jobs, and entrepreneurial ventures compared to their rural counterparts.
In rural areas, female-headed households are often linked to widowhood, migration, or separation.
However, in cities, women are becoming heads of households through education and financial independence.
A female entrepreneur in Lagos, Mrs. Abiola, shared her story.
She said, “I became the breadwinner when my husband lost his job. It wasn’t easy, but I used my skills to start a small business, and today, I provide for my family.”
Her story is just one of many that reflects the determination of women to support their families despite economic hardship.
The NBS report is also a wake-up call for policymakers to address the unique needs of female-headed households.
Experts argue that these households often face higher levels of economic stress, especially in rural areas where social safety nets are weak.
Programs aimed at empowering women through skill acquisition, loans, and better access to healthcare could make a significant difference.
The data also underscores the importance of addressing the wage gap and providing women with equal opportunities in the workforce.
Despite their growing role as breadwinners, many women still face gender-based discrimination and limited access to well-paying jobs.
For urban women, entrepreneurship and formal employment are creating new pathways to financial stability.
However, rural women remain heavily reliant on informal labor and agriculture, which are vulnerable to climate change and economic shocks.
The NBS report adds to a growing body of research that shows the need to close the gap between urban and rural areas in terms of gender empowerment.
