Fed Govt reaffirms commitment to youth empowerment

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through inclusive employment policies and skills development programmes aimed at expanding opportunities across key sectors of the economy.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, stated this at the 10th anniversary of the Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) in Warri, Delta State.

The event, held in Udu, marked a decade of advocacy and youth empowerment by the organisation.

Represented by a delegation from the State Controller of Labour, Mokena Ebi, Chief Labour Inspector, Warri District Office, Dingyadi said government initiatives were focused on strengthening employability, promoting entrepreneurship and preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in the digital economy.

“We are working to ensure that employment policies are inclusive, forward-looking, and responsive to the realities of a rapidly evolving global economy,” he said.

The minister described youth unemployment as a major socio-economic challenge but also a potential driver of national transformation.

“Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges of our time. However, it is also one of our greatest opportunities,” he said, noting that Nigeria has a “vibrant, energetic, creative and resilient youth population.”

According to him, programmes such as the Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme (YEEP) have created opportunities through skills training, mentorship, job placements and financial support.

He disclosed that more than 10,000 youths had secured jobs through the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) platform and other channels, while over ₦50 million had been disbursed in grants and equipment to support youth-led enterprises.

Dingyadi also highlighted other initiatives including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), Skill-Up Artisan Programme (SUPA), National Youth Talent Programme (NATEP) and the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).

He stressed the need for collaboration among government, private sector, civil society organisations and youth groups to address unemployment.

“Government cannot do this alone. Sustainable employment generation requires collaboration between civil society organisations, private sector partners, educational institutions, development agencies and youth-led organisations,” he said.

The minister urged youths to prepare for the future by acquiring digital and technological skills.

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“The future demands digital readiness and technological skills, entrepreneurial thinking from an early age, stronger linkages between education and industry, ethical leadership and accountability,” he said.

He also commended SWUYN for its decade-long advocacy and support for unemployed youths across the country.