The Nigerian government is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs each year through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), designed to equip high-potential graduates with practical work experience, training, and mentorship.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to launch the NJFP 2.0 on Wednesday, October 22, in Abuja, as part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The event will also feature a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation under the theme “From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.”
Ahead of the official launch, Shettima on Monday inaugurated the Project Steering Committee for NJFP 2.0, urging members to ensure inclusivity so that opportunities reach all parts of the country.
The NJFP, a flagship initiative of the government coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU).
First launched in 2022 to bridge the gap between skills, jobs, and enterprise, the programme has already empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through 12-month paid fellowships aimed at building professional experience and confidence.
Inaugurating the committee, Shettima said the NJFP seeks to “bridge the transition gap between learning and earning” for graduates who possess education but lack employment opportunities. He described the initiative as “a deliberate attempt to translate the nation’s demographic strength into productive economic power,” adding that it reflects the government’s commitment to providing structure, partnership, and purpose for youth development.
Calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, the Vice President said, “As we deliberate today, I encourage us to think not in terms of targets or figures alone, but in terms of outcomes that matter young people whose lives change because this system works as intended.”
He emphasised that inclusivity must remain central to NJFP 2.0, ensuring equitable access across Nigeria’s diverse regions, genders, and social backgrounds. Priority sectors identified for job placements include agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, expressed confidence that the NJFP 2.0 would transform the lives of young Nigerians, adding that the EU’s partnership would help optimise the programme’s impact.
UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, described NJFP 2.0 as part of a wider national and continental vision to build a sustainable job creation ecosystem. She commended Vice President Shettima for his leadership, noting that young Nigerians need investment opportunities and enabling conditions to apply their skills effectively.
