The Federal Government has launched the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs aimed at connecting trained Nigerians to decent jobs and strengthening the country’s labour market infrastructure.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the initiative was announced by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos on Wednesday.
The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes creating dignified, inclusive, and transformative work opportunities for Nigerians.
About the Project
Onyejeocha explained that the National Job Centres will serve as digital employability hubs integrating technology, data analytics, and career support to enhance Nigeria’s job placement system.
“The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system,” she said.
“They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage.”
Alongside the Job Centre Project, the Minister unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) — a flagship scheme designed to improve the employability of young Nigerians and ensure a smoother transition from training to formal jobs.
“Through LEEP, we are enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and strengthening the bridge between training and jobs,” Onyejeocha stated.
“Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance.”
Call for Collaboration
The Minister emphasized that achieving decent and sustainable employment requires collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society organizations.
“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort,” she said.
“We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem.”
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability in line with national priorities.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” Onyejeocha added.
Context
A recent survey by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) revealed that over 46,000 jobseekers competed for just 22,630 job openings in 2024, underscoring the mounting pressure on Nigeria’s labour market and the need for more effective job-matching systems.
The report also found that 26% of jobseekers lacked both education and work experience, reducing the pool of employable candidates to just 2,500 individuals. In response, the Lagos State Government has launched several employment and skills programmes, including the Graduate Internship Placement Programme and disbursed ₦849.6 million in scholarships and bursaries to support education and workforce readiness.
