FG To Establish National Job Centres For Youth Employment

The federal government has announced plans to establish a nationwide network of national job centres as part of efforts to connect skilled Nigerians to decent and sustainable employment opportunities.

Minister of state for labour and employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening where she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dignified, inclusive and transformative work under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the proposed National Job Centre Project would serve as a coordinated framework to link jobseekers with employers while supporting skills development and labour market data collection.

According to a statement issued by the minister’s special adviser, media and communications, Tosin Oluwalowo, the centres will function as employability hubs that integrate digital job-matching systems, career advisory services and labour market analytics to strengthen Nigeria’s workforce structure.

The minister noted that the initiative aims to reduce the gap between skills and opportunities while positioning Nigerian youth to compete globally and contribute productively to local industries.

“The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system.

They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage,” she said.

The minister also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship scheme that seeks to enhance youth employability and ensure a smooth transition from training to productive work.

“Through LEEP, we are enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and strengthening the bridge between training and jobs. Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,” she stated.

Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its continued collaboration with the federal government through its Young Africa Works strategy, which has created employment pathways and supported entrepreneurship initiatives across the country.

The minister stressed that addressing unemployment and achieving decent work for all will require joint efforts from government institutions, private sector players, development partners, and civil society organisations.

“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,” she added.