The Nigerian Ministry of Labour and Employment is set to launch the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) this month, aimed at tackling unemployment and boosting economic revitalization across the nation. The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
Onyejeocha emphasized that the programme is part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to create sustainable jobs and improve the overall economic landscape. “LEEP is a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation, by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment,” she said, highlighting that the initiative would generate both direct and indirect job opportunities.
The minister explained that the primary goal of LEEP is to create 2.5 million jobs annually, a critical move to address Nigeria’s persistent unemployment crisis. This includes focusing on both traditional employment avenues and modern, digital work opportunities. “The welfare and safety of workers across the country will be paramount,” she added.
One of the key pillars of LEEP, according to Onyejeocha, is the LEEP Digital Nomads programme. This initiative aims to tap into the skills of Nigeria’s growing youth population by enhancing their digital literacy. The programme will prepare young Nigerians to participate in the global job market, offering them access to 10x income revenue streams through remote work opportunities. “We will develop and nurture the talents and expertise of our significant youth population,” the minister said.
Another crucial aspect of LEEP is the Vocational and Entrepreneurship Programme (VEP), which is designed to provide relevant skills training for employment and entrepreneurship. The VEP will focus on industrial and cottage skills that are directly aligned with market demands, thus ensuring that beneficiaries are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Additionally, the ministry plans to upgrade and expand its National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) platform. This digital tool will facilitate automated employment recruitment processes across various sectors nationwide. “The NELEX platform will expedite job placements by automating the recruitment process,” Onyejeocha explained, noting that this modernization is critical in today’s digital age.
In a move to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, the federal government will also host annual job fairs under the LEEP initiative. These events will be conducted in partnership with private sector employers, providing a platform to connect job seekers with potential employers and industry partners. “The LEEP Job Fairs will connect job seekers with employers across Nigeria,” she said, underlining the importance of these fairs in the employment ecosystem.
Finally, the LEEP initiative will introduce the LEEP Center for Learning Spaces, aimed at upgrading existing facilities used for apprenticeships, production hubs, and business incubation. This will involve modernizing physical assets of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) across the country to meet the growing demand for learning and innovation spaces. “This initiative will ensure that learning spaces are upgraded and modernized to meet the needs of apprenticeships and business incubation,” Onyejeocha affirmed.
Through these multifaceted interventions, the Nigerian government hopes to not only address unemployment but also empower the nation’s youth, enabling them to thrive in both local and global economies.
