The Federal Government has officially launched the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to connect skilled Nigerians to real job opportunities and strengthen the country’s labour market infrastructure.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced the initiative during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos on Wednesday.
The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians across all sectors.
About the project
Rt. Hon. Onyejeocha explained that the National Job Centres will serve as central employability hubs that integrate technology, data, and career support systems to improve job placement and tracking nationwide.
“The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system. They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage,” she said.
Alongside the Job Centre Project, the Minister also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship scheme aimed at enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and ensuring smoother transitions from training to the job market.
“Through LEEP, we are enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and 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 strengthen labour market governance,” Onyejeocha added.
Call for collaboration
The Minister called for collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and civil society groups to achieve 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,” she stated.
She reaffirmed that the Ministry remains committed to partnerships that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability in line with national goals.
“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 concluded.
What you should know
A recent survey by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) showed that over 46,000 jobseekers competed for 22,630 openings in 2024, averaging just 2,837 vacancies per month. The report highlights the growing pressure in Nigeria’s labour market and the urgent need for more effective job-matching systems.
The findings also revealed that about 816 jobseekers, representing 26 percent of the total, lacked both education and experience, effectively reducing the pool of employable candidates to just over 2,500 individuals.
In response, the Lagos State Government has rolled out several initiatives in 2025, including the Graduate Internship Placement Programme, which provides graduates with hands-on experience in both the public and private sectors.
Additionally, the state disbursed over N849 million in scholarships and bursaries to 10,066 students in tertiary institutions, further promoting education and skill development. Of this amount, N335.6 million went to 1,591 beneficiaries under the Scholarship Award and Governor’s Discretionary Awards, while N513.9 million was allocated to 6,884 students under the Bursary Award scheme.
The launch of the National Job Centre Project marks a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s unemployment challenge, improving labour data systems, and bridging the gap between training and real job opportunities.
A 9am News report highlights that with proper coordination and public-private collaboration, the initiative could serve as a major catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable employment across the country.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
