FG, EU Launch $220 Million Youth Employment Programme to Tackle Joblessness in Nigeria

The Federal Government has launched a $220 million youth employment initiative aimed at reducing unemployment and expanding job opportunities for young Nigerians.

The project, tagged the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, is designed to empower graduates through structured work placements, skill development, and mentorship opportunities across multiple sectors.

Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the initiative on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing it as a strategic move to equip young Nigerians with the practical tools needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

He said the programme would be implemented in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing the unemployment crisis through collaboration with global development partners.

Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Earning

According to Shettima, the initiative focuses on connecting high-potential graduates with hands-on work experience, professional training, and career mentorship.

He explained that the goal is to bridge the gap between learning and earning, helping graduates move from academic qualifications to productive employment.

“Our goal is to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young Nigerians—graduates who have the education but not always the opportunity,” Shettima said.

The Vice President added that NJFP 2.0 builds on the achievements of the first phase, which successfully provided paid work placements and mentorship opportunities to thousands of young professionals across both public and private sectors.

“The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme represents hope—hope that no young person will be left behind due to lack of opportunity,” he emphasized.

He commended the EU and UNDP for their continued support in advancing youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth, noting that the collaboration demonstrates a shared vision of transforming Africa’s largest youth population into a productive workforce.

Building a Nation Where Talent Meets Opportunity

Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s pledge to create an environment where talent meets opportunity, and where learning translates into livelihood.

He described the initiative as part of a broader plan to prepare Nigerian youths for the future of work, particularly in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“This is our pledge—to build a nation where talent meets purpose and where every hardworking graduate can contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.

Over 13,000 Youths Benefited So Far

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the new phase of the programme continues the success of the initial edition, which began in 2021 and has already helped over 13,000 Nigerian youths acquire valuable job skills and experience.

Olawande explained that NJFP 2.0 aims to place 100,000 youths in employment within five years, helping to build a generation of skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and productivity across Nigeria’s economy.

He assured that the programme would remain focused on skills training, job placement, and entrepreneurship support, ensuring that every participant benefits from real-life experience and mentorship.

UNDP and EU Commit to Strengthening Youth Empowerment

The Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said the continued funding from the EU and implementation support from UNDP are focused on connecting potential to opportunity.

She noted that since inception, the NJFP has placed more than 40,000 Nigerians across diverse sectors of the economy, contributing to national growth and development.

“Millions of Nigerians need the NJFP platform to thrive in today’s economy. This partnership is about helping young people turn their potential into productivity,” Attafuah said.

Also speaking, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to seeing the NJFP 2.0 fully integrated into Nigeria’s governance and development agenda, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

He emphasized that empowering youth remains central to the EU’s development cooperation strategy with Nigeria, particularly in areas like skills acquisition, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and employment creation.

A Step Toward Reducing Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

With youth unemployment remaining a major challenge in Nigeria, the $220 million NJFP 2.0 initiative represents a timely intervention to boost human capital development, expand access to jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

The programme aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda of empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector.

By focusing on employability, training, and mentorship, the NJFP 2.0 aims to reduce youth joblessness while supporting Nigeria’s long-term goal of becoming a competitive, knowledge-driven economy.

The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union and UNDP, has launched a $220 million Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0) to empower young graduates with skills, mentorship, and work experience. The initiative seeks to place 100,000 youths in jobs within five years, providing them with the foundation to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.