FG intensifies employment drive, inaugurates NJFP Steering Committee
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its employment initiatives with the inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), aimed at enhancing the employability of fresh graduates with market-ready skills. The ceremony was officiated by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa.
The NJFP is a Nigerian government initiative implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with seed investment from the European Union (EU). It was established to address the challenges Nigerian graduates face in accessing meaningful employment and to develop a scalable model to tackle the root causes of growing unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria.
During the inauguration, Vice President Shettima described the NJFP as a critical step taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to equip Nigerian youth with the necessary tools to become employees, innovators, and leaders in their chosen careers.
“The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is more than just an employment initiative; it is a catalyst for broader engagement in youth-driven innovation, employability, and entrepreneurship. This programme is designed not just to provide job placements but also to emphasize the development of key skills through practical, real-world applications,” he stated.
Shettima acknowledged that youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in Nigeria and urged stakeholders and development partners to cooperate in addressing the issue before it destabilizes the nation’s future.
“Prolonged periods of unemployment or underemployment can hinder future income potential and significantly diminish career opportunities. This is precisely why today’s gathering is so important. We cannot afford to delay; we must act collectively to tackle this issue before it severely undermines our future,” he emphasized.
The Vice President also noted that his office coordinates the NJFP alongside other key federal initiatives, such as the Human Capital Development (HCD) programme, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), and the Expanded MSME Clinics programme. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the long-term sustainability and scalability of the NJFP to align with the administration’s priorities.
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the federal government for its leadership in advancing human capital development, particularly in youth development as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted the positive impact of Vice President Shettima’s leadership in fostering youth initiatives and connecting young Nigerians with local opportunities through the NJFP.
The European Union Head of Cooperation, Mr. Massimo de Luca, expressed pride in the NJFP, stating that it typifies the EU’s commitment to youth development in Nigeria. He highlighted the programme’s focus on financial sustainability and the strong relationships it has built since its inception.
In her remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, aligned the NJFP with her ministry’s agenda to create 10 million jobs by 2027, acknowledging that achieving this goal requires collaborative efforts.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, reported that while 3,100 youths have been trained, the target has not been met due to challenges such as COVID-19 and administrative transitions. However, she expressed optimism about achieving better results with the support of the UNDP and EU.
The NJFP is poised to empower thousands of fellows through twelve months of placements, enabling them to apply their expertise and gain valuable market-ready skills.
