Wale Edun
Abayomi Susan
The Federal Government of Nigeria is planning for inclusive, job-rich growth for youths as part of its economic reforms, according to Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. The government aims to build a predictable, investor-friendly economic environment, focusing on fiscal discipline, macroeconomic stability, and private-sector-led growth .
Some initiatives underway include the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and renewed investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which aim to provide inclusive and sustainable education opportunities, especially for youths from low-income backgrounds. The government is also promoting a circular economy, with a national bio-economy policy, and has launched the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan to create about 3.7 million jobs annually.
The government is committed to collaborating with the private sector to drive inclusive economic growth and development, with a target of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Efforts are also being made to address urban migration, promote youth entrepreneurship, and provide access to finance and support for startups .
The Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan emphasizes the 4Es: Employability, Entrepreneurship Development, Employment Creation, and Equality and rights. The plan focuses on sectors with high job creation potential, such as Digital Economy, Rural Economy, Green Economy, and Manufacturing .
The Federal Government has also approved a new Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2026–2030, aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth. The plan will focus on job creation, human capital development, sustainable infrastructure, food security, and social protection systems.
The government expects the reforms already in place to position the economy for stronger growth in the next five years.
