The vice president, Kashim Shettima, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to fulfilling his administration’s promise to build a Nigeria where workforce members can attain their full potential.
To achieve this, he said the administration is upskilling and reskilling citizens to prepare them for both available and future jobs.
Shettima disclosed this yesterday when he officially launched the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) at the presidential villa, Abuja.
In a statement, his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, noted that the national initiative “is designed to expand employment opportunities, equip Nigerians with critical skills, and drive economic empowerment through innovation and technology.
“LEEP is the fulfilment of the promise made by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 vice president observed that the government cannot boast of investing in citizens unless it is committed to building a system that helps and encourages their search for work and equips them to grow on the job.
He stated, “The future of work in Nigeria must compel us to rethink the dynamics of a rapidly evolving world. Across continents, the idea of what constitutes a job is being redefined. Machines are replacing hands. Artificial intelligence is challenging intellects.
“Traditional employment structures are giving way to fluid, digital ecosystems. Yet, within this uncertainty lies a sea of opportunity, if only we are bold enough to sail it.”
The VP commended the minister and staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for working hard to ensure LEEP unfolds into a reality, describing them as the quiet architects of progress.
On what the administration intends to achieve with the LEEP, VP Shettima said, “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.
“The strength of this nation has always been its people. Their ingenuity and their will to rise against the odds. This programme was inspired by the need to carry all parts of the country along, beginning from our six geo-political zones. We are laying the foundation for inclusive progress.”
The vice president called for collaboration with the private sector, civil society organisations, trade unions and global partners, saying it is a collective effort that must not be left to the government alone.
“Yet, the government cannot do this alone. I call upon the private sector, civil society, trade unions, and international partners to join us. We must create a workforce that is not just employable but empowered. This is a collective assignment.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the road ahead may be challenging. But with our collective effort, determination, and faith in our shared potential, we will succeed.
“We are at the threshold of a new era, one where our workforce is empowered, where our economy is strengthened, and where our people are equipped to compete globally,” he pointed out, maintaining that with LEEP, Nigeria is ready to lead in the future of work.
The VP applauded the minister of state for labour and employment, Hon. Barrister Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, for spearheading the initiative “to this point with purpose and clarity.”
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State pledged the support and commitment of the state governors to the successful implementation of the programme.
He said if the scheme is religiously implemented, the economy will be significantly impacted through the reduction in unemployment and criminality and productive engagement of the citizenry.
On her part, the minister of state for labour and employment, Mrs Onyejeocha, said the programme aims to expand access to sustainable employment and stimulate vocational training, noting that the current unemployment statistics are a clear and imminent danger for the country’s future.
She explained that while LEEP is an institutional shift targeted at enhancing training, upskilling, and connecting Nigerians to sustainable jobs across different sectors, its success will require the collaboration of all stakeholders.
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 to decisively address the challenge of unemployment in Nigeria and reposition employment in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said 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 a bid to create wealth and contribute to the country’s economic development by creating 2.5 million jobs in two years.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) country director for Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the ECOWAS Liaison Office, Ms Vanessa Phala, noted that the programme demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to shaping the lives of its youth.
“This marks a turning point for our youths to contribute to the growth and development of this country,” she said.
Also, Comrade Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the initiative must be properly implemented to meet its objective of creating jobs for 2.5 million Nigerian youths.
“I also pray that it will be a programme that will bring sustainable jobs, not causal jobs and jobs that the pay will not be able to take you home,” he added.
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