UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN OMUMA LGA OF RIVERS STATE

ABSTRACI This study examined unemployment and the informal sector in Omuma LGA of Rivers State. Three research questions and three objectives were raised to guide the study. The Dual Labor Market Theory by Michael Piore and Peter Doeringer (1971) was adopted. The study was a descriptive survey research design carried out in Omuma LGA of Rivers State, with a sample respondent of 400 gotten using Taro Yamane formula. The sampling technique was purposive and quota sampling techniques with the study adopting the primary and secondary source of data. The study method of data analysis was the frequency table, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed a clearly demonstrate that the informal sector serves as a vital alternative employment option for unemployed individuals in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State. Its contribution to job creation, income generation, and entrepreneurship development positions it as a strategic pillar for local economic development and poverty reduction. The findings clearly demonstrate that unemployment poses severe challenges to informal sector workers in Omuma Local Government Area. The findings reveals that policy- driven initiatives such as vocational training, infrastructural improvement, and financial support programs are widely perceived as effective means to enhance the role of the informal sector in tackling unemployment in Omuma LGA. The study therefore recommends that: the government should pilot microcredit and savings groups in major markets. Introduce low-cost, phased registration (mini-IDs) with linked advisory services and tax incentives for early registrants. Promote agro-processing, durable goods repair hubs, and trade linkages to nearby urban markets to raise returns to informal activity. State Ministry of Commerce, private sector partners, development agencies.