FG
Picnews
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to tackle unemployment and promote dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at connecting trained Nigerians to real job opportunities and strengthening the country’s labour market infrastructure.
The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonized and inclusive system. This system empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage. According to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the project’s goal is not just to create jobs but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance.
The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) is a flagship initiative designed to enhance the employability of young Nigerians and bridge the gap between training and employment. LEEP aims to generate 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs annually and focuses on issues such as skills mismatch, fair wages, and workplace governance. The program is expected to provide young Nigerians with the necessary skills and support to transition smoothly into the workforce.
The government has emphasized the importance of collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to build a resilient labour market. The Mastercard Foundation has been commended for its partnership with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which has supported job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development for thousands of Nigerian youths over the past six years.
The National Job Centre Project and LEEP are designed to address the pressing issue of unemployment in Nigeria, particularly among young people. With nearly 80 million Nigerian youth unemployed and about 1.7 million graduates entering the labour market annually without sufficient opportunities for formal employment, the government’s efforts to promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability are crucial .
