The Federal Government has introduced the National Job Centre Initiative, a comprehensive network of employment hubs across Nigeria aimed at linking skilled Nigerians with genuine job openings while reinforcing the nation’s labour market infrastructure.
During the recent Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Meeting held in Lagos, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, formally unveiled this groundbreaking program on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment.
This initiative is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes the generation of inclusive, sustainable, and impactful employment opportunities for Nigerians nationwide.
Key Features of the Program
Rt. Hon. Onyejeocha detailed that the National Job Centres will function as centralized employment hubs strategically distributed throughout the country. These centres will utilize cutting-edge technology, data-driven insights, and expert career guidance to streamline job placement processes.
“Our centres will combine digital job matching platforms, up-to-date labour market analytics, and professional career advisory services to create an efficient and accessible employment ecosystem. This initiative is integral to a national labour strategy focused on equipping youth to thrive in domestic industries and compete on a global scale,” she explained.
Alongside the Job Centre Initiative, the Minister also introduced the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship scheme aimed at boosting the employability of Nigerian youth and easing their transition from education into the workforce.
“LEEP bridges the divide between skill development and job availability, preparing young Nigerians for meaningful careers. Our vision extends beyond job creation to include frameworks that safeguard workers’ rights, promote fair remuneration, and enhance labour market governance,” she added.
Encouraging Multi-Sector Collaboration
The Minister highlighted that achieving sustainable and quality employment necessitates robust partnerships among government bodies, private enterprises, development agencies, and civil society groups.
“Creating an inclusive and resilient job market demands collective effort. We call on all stakeholders to collaborate with us in expanding job accessibility through these platforms and accelerating economic progress within Nigeria’s labour sector,” she urged.
She reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to nurturing alliances that foster job creation, social inclusion, and economic stability aligned with national development goals.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Mastercard Foundation and other key partners to build a future where employment is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” she concluded.
Labour Market Insights and Trends
Recent data from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) reveals that over 46,000 job seekers vied for 22,630 vacancies in 2024, averaging nearly 2,837 openings each month. This underscores the mounting pressure on the labour market and the critical need for improved job matching and skills enhancement programs.
Notably, 816 applicants (26%) lacked formal education and prior work experience, narrowing the pool of immediately employable candidates to roughly 2,502 individuals.
To address these challenges, the Lagos State Government has launched several employment and skills development initiatives in 2025. A prime example is the Lagos State Graduate Internship Placement Programme, which offers young graduates practical experience in both public and private sectors.
In the previous year, the state allocated N849,555,000 towards scholarships and bursaries benefiting 10,066 tertiary students, aiming to expand educational access for residents.
Specifically, N335,600,000 was disbursed to 1,591 recipients through the 2022/2023 Scholarship Award and Governor’s Discretionary Awards, while an additional N513,955,000 supported 6,884 students under the 2022/2023 Bursary Award scheme.
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