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In a move to redefine the Nigerian labour market, Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has issued a call to action for employers to transition from passive inclusion policies to intentional, data-driven hiring practices.
The call was made during the Lagos edition of HR Fusion (Pink Edition), held in Lagos.
Under the theme: “The Power of HER: Advancing Inclusive Hiring and Workplace Performance,” the event gathered the nation’s top HR minds to bridge the gap between corporate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) goals and real-world implementation.
Olamide Adeyeye, Head of Programmes and Country Manager at Jobberman Nigeria, said with over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population being youth, inclusive systems are no longer an “extra”—they are a necessity for survival.
“We have a responsibility as an ecosystem shaper to provide direction for how employment opportunities evolve. Research consistently shows that inclusive organisations achieve better economic and business outcomes. This is about shaping a future where matching talent with opportunity is fair, flexible, and forward-thinking, Adeyeye said.
Adeyeye highlighted that Jobberman’s strategy specifically targets historically marginalised groups, including young women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and internally displaced persons (IDPs), advocating for demand-led talent pipelines that reflect Nigeria’s diverse demographic. Samantha Ifezuluike, Head of Operations at Jobberman Nigeria, challenged organisations to look past tokenism.
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She noted that true inclusion requires a holistic support system that follows a hire through their entire career journey.
“It should not be a check-in-the-box approach. Be intentional. Support women through structured performance management, mentorship, and sponsorship. Use data to drive your decisions, not just sentiment,” Ifezuluike said.
The sentiment was echoed by attendees who recognised the need for immediate change:
Doyinsola Farayola (Filmhouse): Pledged to adopt more structured, bias-free hiring frameworks.
Benjamin Ogunbola (PricePally): Highlighted that the focus must shift from “having a policy” to “measuring productivity and implementation.”
The HR Fusion programme is a cornerstone of Jobberman’s ongoing partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at strengthening employment systems and ensuring the future of work in Nigeria is equitable for all.
