LEEP: FG promises 2.5 million jobs as Nigeria grapples with 13 million unemployed youths
The federal government says it plans to create 2.5 million jobs through the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP).
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said this at the LEEP’s pre-inauguration ceremony in Abuja. She said the programme aimed to actualise President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’.
‘’The LEEP vision is to train and equip 2.5 million people. In Nigeria, youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with over 13 million young people currently unemployed. According to recent statistics, initiatives like LEEP play a crucial role in providing young people with access to training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial support.
“This will address the challenge of youth unemployment and promoting social inclusion. ’The initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing key challenges facing our workforce such as job creation, skills development and migration control,’’ Ms Onyejeocha said.
Ms Onyejeocha explained that in a rapidly evolving global landscape, ensuring that the Nigerian workforce was equipped with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the digital age was imperative.
The junior labour minister said the LEEP targeted zero hunger, zero poverty, economic growth, and decent jobs through six strategic initiatives.
She mentioned that these included digital skills initiatives, vocational entrepreneurship skills programmes, infrastructure upgrades, and NELEX upgrades for employment acceleration.
Ms Onyejeocha said others were global remote work initiatives and labour compliance enhancement. She urged development partners such as the World Bank, GIZ, the European Union, UNIDO and the Bank of Industry to support the drive.
She said support was imperative for the current administration to mitigate the hardships faced by Nigerians due to the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Luri Aganetto, the EU programme manager, pledges to support the initiative for the good of the Nigerian people.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Ukraine court orders arrest of agriculture minister over $7 million fraud
Mr Solsky had tendered his resignation earlier on Thursday but technically remains in his post until parliament considers his request.
Economy
IMF: Nigeria, 11 other countries seek affordable financing, structural reforms
The ACG comprises the IMF governors of a subset of 12 African countries belonging to the African Caucus (African finance ministers and central bank governors) and IMF management.
Africa
ECOWAS holds strategic peace talk with African Union
ECOWAS has held a strategic peace talk with the AU to integrate and implement the African Union Accountability and Compliance Framework into peacekeeping missions.
Economy
Experts decry challenges in ICT industry, suggest solutions
An expert says Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and rising equipment costs are stalling the growth of the country’s information and communication technology industry.
Politics
Police promise adequate security for Saturday’s Gombe LG polls
The police command in Gombe has assured of adequate security, ahead of Saturday’s local government councils poll.
Rights
N615,000 new minimum wage based on N1,700 per dollar computation: TUC, NLC
“It is now N615,000. Regarding when the new minimum wage, the committee is still working,” said the TUC president.
