From Victor Osula Abuja
The Federal Government has launched the National Job Centre Project — a nationwide network of employability hubs aimed at tackling unemployment and boosting access to decent work opportunities across Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday at the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Meeting, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the initiative was designed to promote “dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians.”
According to her, the project is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to connect trained Nigerians to real job opportunities while strengthening the country’s labour market infrastructure.
“The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system. They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage,” Onyejeocha said.
The Minister also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship initiative of the Ministry aimed at enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and bridging the gap between training and employment.
“Our goal is not just to create jobs but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,” she added.
Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its continued collaboration with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which has supported job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development for thousands of youths over the past six years.
She noted that the Foundation’s model complements the government’s efforts to transform skills into sustainable employment, stressing that achieving decent and productive work requires joint action by government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society.
“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,” she said.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope vision, Onyejeocha said the government would continue to pursue policies that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to work with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” she stated.
