The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced a significant initiative under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu aimed at reducing unemployment by over 80% and removing a substantial number of unemployed youth from the streets.
Addressing top managers at the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Minister Onyejeocha urged them to brace for the challenge of minimizing unemployment in the country, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling this issue, particularly among the youth, with a renewed focus on the NDE.
Speaking at the Lagos International Trade Fair, Onyejeocha underscored the NDE’s crucial role in addressing unemployment by providing skills training and entrepreneurship opportunities for young Nigerians. She highlighted President Tinubu’s deep concern about rising unemployment rates and expressed confidence that Nigeria’s fortunes would improve with time.
Emphasizing the need to empower the NDE with substantial starter packs, Onyejeocha outlined the government’s approach, which goes beyond providing small sums of money. The focus is on changing lives for the better, connecting businesses, creating value, and lifting people out of poverty.
In support of the government’s efforts, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) echoed the call to combat unemployment and poverty, given the high poverty rate in the country. LCCI’s President/Chairman of Council, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, encouraged the NDE to persist in its impactful work in skills development and entrepreneurship training, aiming to empower young Nigerians and contribute to overall economic growth.
