Federal Government unveils $220m youth employment initiative to tackle unemployment and empower Nigerian graduates through skills and mentorship

The Federal Government unveils $220m youth employment initiative to tackle Nigeria’s growing youth unemployment and expand job opportunities across the country.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the launch of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, describing it as a strategic investment in the nation’s future workforce.

Implemented in collaboration with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative aims to provide structured work placements, mentorship, and skill development for thousands of young Nigerian graduates.

Shettima explained that the NJFP 2.0 seeks to bridge the critical gap between education and employment by connecting graduates with real-world experience and professional mentorship.

He emphasised that the programme symbolises the government’s commitment to creating a generation of innovators and productive citizens.

“Our goal is to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young Nigerians who have the education but not always the opportunity,” the Vice President stated.

He noted that the NJFP 2.0 builds on the success of the initial phase, which provided paid work placements and mentorship across the public and private sectors.

“The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme represents hope—hope that no young person will be left behind because of a lack of opportunity.

It is our pledge to build a nation where talent meets purpose, and where learning translates into livelihood,” Shettima affirmed.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted that since its inception in 2021, the programme has trained over 13,000 young Nigerians. He added that the new phase aims to create 100,000 job placements within five years.

UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, lauded the EU and UNDP partnership, noting that the NJFP has already placed over 40,000 Nigerians in diverse economic sectors.

She said the programme continues to serve as a bridge between potential and opportunity.

European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, expressed optimism about integrating the NJFP 2.0 into Nigeria’s national development framework to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

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With the NJFP 2.0, the Federal Government has signalled a renewed focus on youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth—laying a foundation for a more prosperous and productive generation.