The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held on Wednesday in Lagos, Onyejeocha announced the launch of the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to connect trained Nigerians with job opportunities and strengthen labour market systems.
“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.”
The Minister also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and ensuring a smoother transition between training and work.
“Through LEEP, we are strengthening the bridge between training and jobs. Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and improve labour market governance,” she stated.
Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which she said had provided youth with skills, jobs, and entrepreneurial opportunities over the past six years.
“Your partnerships have opened pathways to jobs, entrepreneurship, and hope for thousands of Nigerians,” she said, noting that the Foundation’s focus on collaboration and inclusion aligns with the Federal Government’s skills-to-jobs vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She emphasised the need for collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society in achieving decent and sustainable work for all Nigerians.
“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,” Onyejeocha said.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability.
“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,” she added.
