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By Lizzy Chirkpi
In a move to bolster employment and empower its citizenry, the Federal Government of Nigeria today officially launched the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP).
The initiative is targeted at creating 2.5m jobs in next two years.
The official unveiling of the landmark programme took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, provided further details and insights into its operational framework.
This significant launch follows President Bola Tinubu’s initial announcement of the Renewed Hope Labour LEEP during his Independence Day address on October 1, 2024, underscoring the government’s commitment to prioritizing job creation.
This development came against the backdrop of encouraging signs in Nigeria’s labour market, with the national unemployment rate recently decreasing to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2024, a notable 1-percentage-point drop from the 5.3% recorded in the first quarter of the same year.
The LEEP program is poised to build on this positive momentum, aiming to further reduce unemployment and empower millions of Nigerians with meaningful economic opportunities.
The LEEP program, a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, represents a comprehensive strategy designed to tackle unemployment and foster economic growth at the grassroots level.
Envisioned as a multi-faceted approach, LEEP aims to provide targeted training and vocational skills development programs to enhance the employability of Nigerians across various sectors.
The program also offers access to funding, mentorship, and business development support for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance.
Consequently, its establishment is geared towards building robust platforms and partnerships to efficiently match skilled individuals with available job openings in both the formal and informal sectors.