New Initiative Targets Unemployment With Training And Grants
President Bola Tinubu launched a national youth employment initiative in Abuja on July 18, 2025, aimed at creating one million jobs over the next two years, as reported by The Punch. The Youth Empowerment Scheme targets unemployed graduates and skilled artisans, offering training programs, startup grants, and job placements in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Tinubu, speaking at the State House, highlighted the government’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s 33% unemployment rate, particularly among youths who constitute 60% of the population.
The initiative includes partnerships with private firms to provide apprenticeships and seed funding for small businesses, with a focus on rural and urban centers. The Ministry of Labour and Employment will oversee implementation, with state governments tasked with identifying beneficiaries through local councils. The Federal Government allocated N500 billion for the scheme, with disbursements starting in September 2025. Governors from Lagos, Kano, and Rivers attended the launch, pledging to integrate the scheme into state-level job creation plans.
The Nigeria Labour Congress raised concerns about transparency, urging the government to ensure funds reach intended recipients. The program responds to growing public discontent over economic hardship, particularly in cities like Port Harcourt and Kaduna, where youth restiveness has increased. Tinubu directed the establishment of monitoring units to track progress, with quarterly reports mandated for public disclosure. The scheme includes vocational training centers in all 36 states, with a target of training 500,000 youths by 2027. The government aims to curb urban migration by creating opportunities in rural areas, where unemployment is highest.
The initiative’s success depends on effective coordination and accountability, with past job programs criticized for poor execution. The launch marks a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, with the government seeking to boost youth participation in the economy ahead of the 2027 elections.
