LAGOS/Nigeria: The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating dignified, inclusive, and transformative work opportunities for Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening on Wednesday in Lagos, Onyejeocha announced the launch of the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide employability network designed to link trained Nigerians with job opportunities and strengthen the country’s 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,” the Minister 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.”
She also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship initiative aimed at improving youth employability and bridging the gap between training and work placement.
“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,” Onyejeocha stated.
The Minister commended the Mastercard Foundation for its sustained collaboration with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which she said has provided thousands of young Nigerians 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, adding that the Foundation’s emphasis on inclusion and collaboration aligns with the Federal Government’s skills-to-jobs vision.
Onyejeocha called for deeper partnerships between government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to achieve decent and sustainable work for all Nigerians.
“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort,” she said. “We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem.”
Reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness for continued collaboration, Onyejeocha said, “The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to work with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative.”
