In a strategic move to combat unemployment in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and private partner Sapphital Limited, has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at generating 2.5 million jobs annually. The partnership is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a strong commitment to improving Nigeria’s labor market.
At the official signing ceremony, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stressed the significance of the collaboration, which seeks to not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen Nigeria’s workforce by providing diverse opportunities for skills development and employment.
The initiative, named the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), is set to create pathways for youth employment, job placement, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) platform will serve as a key tool for empowering young Nigerians and facilitating their entry into the workforce.
Onyejeocha highlighted that the program is not limited to the youth but also extends to retired professionals and individuals whose previous work conditions may have impacted their ability to secure new employment. She emphasized that the program, through remote job opportunities, will allow older professionals and those with disabilities to remain active in the workforce, regardless of age or physical limitations.
“We’re creating opportunities not just for youth, but for all Nigerians, including ex-servicemen and people with disabilities. Age and disability will no longer be barriers to employment,” she added. The program is designed to cater to a wide range of individuals, including soldiers wounded in combat, with the goal of offering them meaningful, accessible work.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, echoed Onyejeocha’s sentiments, stating that the MoU was a testament to the administration’s resolve to tackle youth unemployment. Olawande reiterated that the key to the success of the initiative would be its ability to provide Nigerian youth with the skills needed to thrive in a modern economy.
“The government is committed to equipping young Nigerians with the vocational training, technology, and mentorship they need to succeed and create job opportunities for others,” Olawande explained.
The LEEP program is designed to foster skill development in sectors such as renewable energy, greenhouse farming, and recycling, providing training in areas like Solar Kiosk and Solar Panel Installation. These initiatives aim to prepare participants not only for existing job markets but also to inspire them to become job creators, contributing to Nigeria’s green economy and global competitiveness.
The government has emphasized that this initiative is an action-driven partnership, focused on providing tangible, long-term solutions to Nigeria’s unemployment crisis.
