The Nigeria Labour Congress has asserted that militancy, kidnapping, and other social vices will significantly decline if both federal and state governments prioritize job creation.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known at the official launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme on Tuesday in Abuja, stressing that only sustainable employment, not casual or underpaid jobs, can address the nation’s deepening security and economic challenges.
“I want to acknowledge the programme today (Tuesday), the labour movement, we identify with any programme that enhances employment. And employment is the best way to cope with our social crisis,” Ajaero stated.
“People that are engaged, people that are working, will not think of other social crises. The level of militancy, the level of kidnapping will come to the barest level if we create jobs. And that is why the labour movement identifies with this,” he added.
He emphasized that the success of the programme lies in its execution.
“If this is properly implemented, because I think that’s the greatest problem we have, is poor finishing. I think if this is properly implemented, Nigeria will be heaven of sort.
“I pray that it will be a programme that will bring sustainable jobs, not casual jobs. Not jobs that the wages will not be able to take you home, Ajaero noted.
He called for the involvement of workers and policy implementers at every stage, warning that “programmes without the input of the workers are not the best.”
He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Labour and the International Labour Organisation, stating the NLC is open to dialogue and collaboration to ensure meaningful outcomes.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, while launching the LEEP initiative, said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to building a Nigeria where every worker can attain their full potential.
According to him, “LEEP is the fulfilment of the promise made by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu to build a national ecosystem where every Nigerian worker can reach their full potential, and where technology enhances, not threatens our labour market.”
He noted that the programme is a response to global changes in employment dynamics.
“The future of work in Nigeria is one that must compel us to rethink the dynamics of a rapidly evolving world… Yet, within this uncertainty lies a sea of opportunity, if only we are bold enough to sail it.”
Shettima called for partnership with all sectors.
“Yet, the government cannot do this alone. I call upon the private sector, civil society, trade unions, and our international partners to join us. We must create a workforce that is not just employable, but empowered. This is a collective assignment.”
He affirmed that LEEP targets all economic sectors, including the gig economy, aiming to provide comprehensive training and skills development while connecting Nigerians with job opportunities.
“This intervention isn’t just about creating jobs. It is about transformation,” Shettima said.
“We are at the threshold of a new era… with LEEP, Nigeria is ready to lead in the future of work,” he added.
The Vice President also praised the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, for leading the programme “with purpose and clarity.”
In her remarks, Onyejeocha said the programme aims to expand access to sustainable jobs and vocational training, warning that the country’s current unemployment rate poses a serious risk to its future.
She called for collaboration across sectors to ensure LEEP’s success.
“This is an institutional shift targeted at enhancing training, upskilling, and connecting Nigerians to sustainable jobs across different sectors,” she said.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State pledged the support of Nigerian governors to the initiative, stating that its success would reduce unemployment and criminality while productively engaging citizens.
Also speaking, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, acknowledged unemployment as a pressing issue with wide-reaching implications.
He said LEEP is designed to identify marketable skills and equip youth to meet labour demands and sustain self-employment.
He added, “Through this programme, our target is to create millions of jobs annually… It will also address cross-cutting challenges such as security and economic growth.”
Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara, said LEEP was a decisive response to unemployment and will align job creation efforts with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the programme aims to generate 2.5 million jobs in two years.
ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and ECOWAS, Ms. Vanessa Phala, also spoke at the event, describing LEEP as a bold commitment to shaping the future of Nigerian youths.
“This marks a turning point for our youths to contribute to the growth and development of this country,” she stated.
