…Begs youths to stay, contribute to nation’s growth
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has officially launched the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a new national initiative aimed at creating at least 2.5 million sustainable jobs within two years and transforming the Ministry of Labour and Employment into a job-creating powerhouse.
Tinubu, at the programme’s launch in Abuja on Tuesday, declared LEEP as the administration’s most comprehensive response yet to the mounting challenge of youth unemployment and the disruptive forces reshaping the global labour market.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, he said: “In the face of the digital revolution that is rendering traditional jobs obsolete. our future depends on how well we equip our people to not just survive, but to lead in this new world.”
According to him, “Machines are replacing hands, artificial intelligence is killing human intelligence. Traditional employment structures are giving way to crude digital ecosystems. There within this uncertainty lies a sea of opportunity, if only we are bold enough to seize it.”
President Tinubu appealed to Nigerians, especially the youths, to stay back and develop the country rather than running off in search of greener pastures to other countries.
He described Nigeria’s youthful population as its greatest asset, noting that the country’s demographic advantage could either be a blessing or a disaster depending on the policy decisions made now.
“Believe in Nigeria, let us make this country work, let us unite for the sake of this country. Let us work together to define the meaning and concept of modern progress. I believe tomorrow is going to be better than today.
“Opportunities abound, all we need is to upgrade and re-skill our youths, they don’t need to japa from the comfort of their homes in Lagos, in Onitsha, in Sokoto. You can create jobs for our people,” he said.
The President added that, “I am an eternal optimist, but I’m also a realist. The anticipated democratic dividend, I believe, will depend on the initiatives we have in this country now. We are capable of transforming it into democratic dividends instead of the much-feared democratic disaster that has befallen others.”
The Vice President emphasised that Nigeria has the potential to become a global leader in digital outsourcing, citing its population size, English proficiency, and youth ingenuity as unique advantages.
“There are more English speakers in Nigeria than in India. And with all due respect, the intonation of Nigerian English is much better than the Indian variety. India earned over $125 billion from outsourcing services last year alone. Why can’t Nigeria do the same or even more?,” he queried.
He further urged Nigerians not to underestimate their capacity: “If you meet a Nigerian on the streets of London, you don’t need a suitcase to prove that this is a Nigerian. We carry ourselves with confidence, with dignity. We are not afraid of the world, and we will rise.”
Calling for broad collaboration, the Vice President said, “No one can do this alone. I call upon the private sector, civil society, trade unions, and our international partners to help us. Let’s train a workforce that is not just looking to break bread, but to be empowered.”
In his goodwill remarks at the event, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, expressed delight at the official launch of the LEEP, describing it as a testament to the commitment of President Tinubu to delivering the dividends of democracy and good governance to Nigerians.
Dingyadi decried that the youth have been persistently faced with the challenge of unemployment and attributed it to factors such as economic instability, poor alignment between education and job market needs, as well as an unconducive business environment.
He noted that the Federal Government had deliberately formulated policies to address these issues, with the LEEP initiative positioned as a key driver in tackling unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with marketable skills and promoting sustainable self-employment.
According to the Minister, “Our target is to create millions of jobs annually and reduce the unemployment rate significantly. One of the underlying strategies of LEEP is to identify marketable skills and build the capacity of youth in these areas. This programme, when fully operational, will not only tackle youth unemployment but will also address cross-cutting challenges such as security and economic growth, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.”
He extended appreciation to President Tinubu for approving and supporting the programme, while assuring that the Ministry and its agencies remain committed to achieving its objectives.
Dingyadi also called on state governments, the FCT, and all social partners to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure the success of LEEP for the socio-economic development of the country.
On her part, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described LEEP as a “Ministry-defining programme” that signals a new era of action rather than abstraction.
“For far too long, the Ministry has been viewed primarily as a centre for conciliatory and regulatory functions and nothing else. But we are determined to change that narrative. The Ministry of Labour and Employment must now be seen, and must perform , as a central engine of job creation, a clearinghouse for labour market intelligence, and a catalyst for inclusive prosperity,” she stated.
Onyejeocha noted that the programme would not duplicate existing efforts but would serve as an aggregator and coordinator of ongoing job creation initiatives across ministries, development finance institutions, and the private sector.
The Minister also announced the creation of a Comprehensive Diaspora Skills Database to harness the expertise of Nigerians abroad and the launch of an integrated digital platform to connect job seekers and employers in real time.