DIGITAL GIG WORK AND POVERTY REDUCTION AMONG YOUTHS IN MINNA METROPOLIS, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of digital gig work on poverty reduction among youths in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria. It specifically examined youths’ participation in digital gig work, assessed its contribution to poverty alleviation, and identified challenges faced by gig workers. The study adopted a descriptive and explanatory survey research design. A sample of 384 youths engaged in digital gig work was selected using a multistage sampling technique, combining purposive, snowball, and convenience sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and regression analysis). Findings revealed that most digital gig workers were males aged 23–27 years with ND/NCE or BSc qualifications. Ride-hailing and online freelancing were the most common types of gig work. Average monthly income ranged between ₦30,000 and ₦80,000, indicating that gig work partially contributes to poverty reduction. Inferential analysis showed a positive and significant relationship between participation in digital gig work and poverty reduction (r = 0.62, β = 0.48, p < 0.05). Despite these benefits, challenges such as income instability, lack of social protection, and irregular work schedules limit the full potential of digital gig work in alleviating poverty. The study concludes that digital gig work provides meaningful income opportunities and enhances living standards for youths in Minna Metropolis, but supportive policies, financial access, skills development, and entrepreneurial initiatives are necessary to maximize its impact. The findings contribute to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the role of digital gig work in poverty reduction within smaller urban centres in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study recommends that government and relevant stakeholders provide digital skills training to enhance youths’ productivity in gig work. There is also a need for supportive policies that ensure social protection and fair working conditions for gig workers.