This study examines the role of public enterprises in reducing unemployment in Kogi State of Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent unemployment challenges in Nigeria and the need to assess the effectiveness of public enterprises as instruments for job creation. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of public enterprises on direct employment generation, the influence of their operational activities on indirect employment creation, and the impact of organizational efficiency on unemployment reduction. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to employees of selected public enterprises in Kogi State. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 110 were validly returned and analyzed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that public enterprises have a positive and significant effect on direct employment generation, their operational activities significantly promote indirect employment creation, and organizational efficiency significantly enhances their capacity to reduce unemployment. The results further showed that direct employment generation has the strongest influence on unemployment reduction, followed by indirect employment and efficiency. The study concludes that public enterprises play a significant role in reducing unemployment in Kogi State of Nigeria; however, their effectiveness depends largely on their level of efficiency and management practices. The study recommends increased government investment in public enterprises, improved operational efficiency, and stronger institutional frameworks to enhance their employment generation capacity.