In Nigeria, unemployment can be minimized through______?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which measure can reduce (minimize) unemployment in Nigeria. We need the option that creates more jobs or productive opportunities.

Step 2: Explain the concept Nigeria's economy has long depended heavily on crude oil, which is capital-intensive and employs relatively few people. When one sector dominates, workers in other areas have few job opportunities. Economic diversification means developing other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, services, and technology. This creates new businesses and jobs and reduces structural unemployment.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Diversification of the economy - Expands the number of productive sectors, so more jobs are created. This directly tackles unemployment.
• B. Strict immigration law - This controls entry of foreigners. It may protect some jobs, but it does not create jobs. Immigration is not a major cause of unemployment in Nigeria.
• C. Paying unemployment benefits - This gives income support to the jobless. It cushions the effects of unemployment but does not reduce it, and Nigeria has no widespread system of this kind.
• D. Restrictive fiscal policy - This means cutting government spending or raising taxes. It reduces aggregate demand, so it tends to slow the economy and can worsen unemployment. It is used to fight inflation, not unemployment.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. Diversification of the economy.

Tip: In "how to reduce unemployment" questions, look for the option that creates jobs or expands production (diversification, industrialization, vocational training, expansionary policy). Options that only cushion the effect (benefits) or reduce demand (restrictive policy) are usually wrong.