The Federal Government launched the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme on Tuesday, with a goal of creating 2.5 million jobs within two years.
The program was officially introduced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he provided further details on its objectives and impact.
This was disclosed in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
During the launch, Shettima emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to realizing his administration’s vision of creating a Nigeria where the workforce can fully reach its potential.
He noted the government’s efforts to upskill and reskill citizens, preparing them for current job opportunities as well as those in the future.
He emphasized that the national initiative is aimed at expanding employment opportunities, equipping Nigerians with essential skills, and promoting economic empowerment through innovation and technology.
“LEEP is the fulfilment of the promise made by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to build a national ecosystem where every Nigerian worker can reach their full potential and where technology enhances, not threatens, our labour market,” he added.
The VP expressed gratitude to the Minister and staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for their dedicated efforts in making LEEP a reality, calling them the “quiet architects of progress.”
“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,” he added.
The Vice President urged collaboration with the private sector, civil society organizations, trade unions, and international partners, emphasizing that the program’s success is a shared responsibility that should not fall solely on the government.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Barrister Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, stated that the program aims to increase access to sustainable employment and promote vocational training.
She also highlighted that the current unemployment statistics pose a significant and urgent threat to the country’s future.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara, said LEEP is a bold step by the administration of President Tinubu.
“LEEP was carefully articulated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with its parastatals to, among other goals, equip young Nigerians with employability skills in the bid to create wealth and contribute to the economic development of the country by creating 2.5 million jobs in two years,” the official stated.
In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) as part of the federal government’s initiative to address Nigeria’s low human capital index, unemployment, and other challenges.
