FG to Invest $220m in Creating Job Opportunities for Young Nigerians
The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0).
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the disclosure in Abuja during the official launch of the NJFP 2.0 and the opening of a policy dialogue on youth employment and skills development.
Shettima said the initiative, implemented in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of young graduates across the country.
According to him, the $220 million investment reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering youths through productive ventures in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
“This is not charity but an investment in the potential of our young people. By building their skills and connecting them to meaningful work, we are investing in Nigeria’s future,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President explained that the first phase of the NJFP, launched in 2021, benefited about 13,000 young Nigerians who received on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities. The new phase targets the creation of at least 100,000 jobs over the next five years, with an estimated 20,000 jobs to be created annually.
The Federal Government, he said, is determined to ensure inclusivity in the programme, with equal access to opportunities regardless of gender, region, or social background.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mohamed Yahya, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative, describing it as a model for sustainable youth empowerment in Africa.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme was established to provide recent graduates with practical experience and professional mentorship, helping to address unemployment and underemployment among young Nigerians.
The Federal Government said the $220 million investment would be managed through a Basket Fund, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and accountability in the programme’s implementation.
