The Federal Government has launched the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) designed to create 2.5 million jobs over the next two years while equipping Nigerians with relevant skills needed in the evolving job market.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who officially launched the programme on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said the initiative fulfils President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to build a national ecosystem where every Nigerian worker can reach their full potential.
“The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, LEEP, is a well-considered response to a pressing national need. As jobs become increasingly vulnerable to technological disruption, our duty is not to lament but to prepare. LEEP aims to provide comprehensive training that equips our people with the right skills to compete and contribute to today’s global economy.
“This intervention isn’t just about creating jobs. It is about transformation. LEEP targets all sectors of the economy, including the expanding Gig economy, and leverages technology to connect employers with a skilled and ready workforce.
“The strength of this nation has always been its people. Their ingenuity, and their will to rise against the odds. This programme was inspired by the need to carry all parts of the country along, beginning from our six geo-political zones. We are laying the foundation for inclusive progress.”
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, who spearheaded the initiative, explained that LEEP represents an institutional shift targeted at enhancing training, upskilling, and connecting Nigerians to sustainable jobs across different sectors. She warned that current unemployment statistics pose a clear and imminent danger to the country’s future.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State pledged the support of state governors for the programme’s implementation.
He noted that it would significantly impact the economy through reduced unemployment and criminality while productively engaging citizens.
The Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara, described LEEP as a decisive step by the Tinubu administration to address unemployment challenges in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme was developed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with its parastatals.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and ECOWAS Liaison Office, Ms. Vanessa Phala, noted that the programme is Nigeria’s commitment to shaping the lives of its youths.
“This marks a turning point for our youths to contribute to the growth and development of this country,” she said.
Also, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the initiative must be properly implemented to meet its objective of creating jobs for 2.5 million Nigerian youths.
“I also pray that it will be a programme that will bring sustainable jobs, not causal jobs and jobs that the pay will not be able to take you home,” he added.
