Nigeria Commits $220M to Youth Jobs in Major Economic Push
The Nigerian government, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to invest $220 million to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
This major initiative is the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0), which aims to connect high-potential graduates with valuable real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima formally launched the programme at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that the goal is to “bridge the transition gap between learning and earning” for thousands of graduates who have the education but often lack the opportunity. The Vice President emphasized that this investment is key to transforming Nigeria’s demographic strength “into productive economic power.”
VP Shettima announced the government’s determination to deepen the ownership of the programme by fully embedding it into Nigeria’s national planning and budgeting frameworks. He called on private sector partners, development organizations, and donor communities to join in building the NJFP Basket Fund, a sustainable financing mechanism. The immediate target for this fund is to raise $220 million, viewed not as charity, but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset: its young people. He stressed that youth employment is a shared responsibility.
The Vice President confirmed that inclusivity is central to the design of NJFP 2.0. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of Nigerian youth, the next phase will intentionally reach every corner of the country. Placements will be aligned with sectors that will define the nation’s economic future, including agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, noted that the initial programme, which began in 2021, successfully helped over 13,000 youths gain skills. He assured that NJFP 2.0 will build on this progress, with a long-term goal of placing 100,000 youths in jobs within five years.
The Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, acknowledged the crucial funding from the EU, noting that the vision of NJFP has already resulted in over 40,000 Nigerians being placed in various economic sectors. EU Ambassador Gauthier Mignot stressed the importance of integrating the programme into Nigeria’s governance agenda to ensure its sustainability.
Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank, reinforced the need for the programme, arguing that millions of Nigerians could perform high-skill jobs currently outsourced to foreign companies if given the right opportunities.
VP Shettima concluded by expressing hope that NJFP 2.0 would become a success story, turning Nigeria’s demographic advantage into a generation of productive citizens. He offered a commitment to the youth: “They are ready to build if we are ready to back them.”
