In a bold move to empower young people and tackle unemployment in Nigeria, Actionaids Nigeria in conjunction with funding from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has supported the launch of a wide-reaching youth empowerment and skills acquisition initiative, benefiting 400 young people across the country.
The initiative is being implemented under the Reintegration and Empowerment for Connecting and Nurturing Opportunities of Vulnerable Populations and Returning Migrants (RECONNECT) Project. It aims to support some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable groups, including returned migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based and domestic violence.
Through vocational skills training and business development support, the project seeks to rebuild livelihoods, enhance employability, and promote socio-economic reintegration.
In total, 400 beneficiaries across Edo State, Lagos State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will receive market-relevant vocational training and life skills to strengthen their economic independence and resilience.
Speaking to journalists, the current Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria is Andrew Mamedu, represented by the Director of Business Development and Innovation at ActionAid Nigeria, Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny—described the initiative as a transformative response to the global call for action on youth development.
The program is implemented by ActionAid Nigeria and supported by GIZ and the Centers for Migration and Development.
In response to overlapping crises including insurgency, irregular migration, environmental disruptions, disability, and domestic violence—many Nigerians, especially women and youth, face deepening poverty, trauma, and social exclusion. Frequent displacement and limited access to employment opportunities have led to a rise in irregular migration and dependency on aid.
She highlighted that the RECONNECT project addresses these challenges by providing tailored vocational and life skills training, linking beneficiaries to business support mechanisms and potential employers to ensure sustainable recovery and self-reliance, she said.”
“This is more than a training program,” said Ilochi-Kanny. “It is a revolution of skills and opportunities. We are committed to offering young people a second chance—not just at education, but at economic relevance and dignity.”
She further emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to bridge the gap between skills and employment.
“We understand that many Nigerians want to participate in this kind of program,” she added. “Since 2017, we have successfully reintegrated thousands of returned migrants into Nigerian society, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.”she said.
Beneficiaries will receive training in a wide range of marketable skills, including fashion design, hairdressing, baking and confectionery, and leatherwork. These in-demand skills are designed to help participants sustain themselves economically and build lasting livelihoods.
Participants will also be integrated into existing cooperative structures to support their businesses and access markets.
Also speaking, Program Components Manager for GIZ at the Centers for Migration and Development, Tolulope Olaiya explained explain that we currently running training under the RECONNECT project, which focuses on reintegrating and creating opportunities for vulnerable populations and returning migrants. We will be reaching 400 individuals to train and build their capacity for entrepreneurial activities.”
“Beyond training, we are connecting participants to markets and opportunities, organizing business fairs, and providing psychosocial support to help address mental health challenges. We also support the formation and strengthening of cooperatives to ensure long-term access to markets and business growth,” she concluded.
