The Federal Government has unveiled a five-year employment strategy aimed at creating jobs, upgrading 87 skills training centres and improving access to employment opportunities across Nigeria.
The National Directorate of Employment’s 2027–2031 strategic plan is designed to align vocational training with industry demands, strengthen labour-market information and expand opportunities for young people, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, unveiled the plan in Abuja on Thursday, describing it as a framework to reposition the agency to meet changing labour-market needs.
Agara said the strategy would guide the activities of the Directorate’s departments, state offices and programme delivery structures, with emphasis on skills development, entrepreneurship, business growth, partnerships and inclusive employment.
“The NDE is not merely unveiling a policy document, but setting out a clear strategic direction for the next five years, reaffirming our institutional purpose and strengthening our commitment to creating employment opportunities, developing skills, promoting entrepreneurship and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians,” he said.
On training infrastructure, Agara disclosed that the agency operated 87 Skills Training Centres, alongside Agricultural Training Centres and Common Facility Centres, many of which required retooling, rehabilitation or complete overhaul.
“We are committed to modernising these facilities and harmonising our training curricula to ensure uniform standards and alignment with industry needs,” he said.
He said the upgrades would require sustained support from the Federal Government, development partners and the private sector.
The NDE chief added that the agency would deepen collaboration with employers, improve data-driven decision-making and strengthen post-training support to help beneficiaries secure jobs, establish viable businesses and sustain their livelihoods.
According to him, technological advances, emerging industries, demographic pressures and changing business models have transformed the nature of work, making it necessary for employment programmes to reflect current market demands.
He said the strategy would also guide resource allocation, performance assessment and programme monitoring, with its priorities incorporated into annual work plans and budgets.
“The real test of this plan begins after its launch,” Agara said, stressing the need for clear responsibilities, adequate funding, measurable targets and effective monitoring.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, described the strategy as a significant step towards strengthening the NDE’s role in employment creation, skills development and entrepreneurship.
Dingyadi, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Kamil Shoretire, said productive employment promoted economic independence, reduced vulnerability, strengthened families and communities, and improved national productivity.
He urged the Directorate to translate the plan into practical programmes backed by realistic targets, measurable performance indicators and accountable implementation arrangements.
The minister also called for equitable access to training, entrepreneurship support and jobs for women, young people, persons with disabilities and other groups facing barriers to economic participation.
He said the plan’s success should be assessed not only by the number of people trained but also by how many secured jobs, established sustainable businesses, increased their incomes and maintained their livelihoods.
The Director of the International Labour Organisation Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS Liaison Office, Vanessa Phala, said the proposed reforms could strengthen connections between job seekers, employers and available economic opportunities.
She highlighted plans to establish a modern Public Employment Service, improve labour-market information systems and strengthen institutional capacity.
“The planned establishment of a modern Public Employment Service, enhanced labour-market information systems, and stronger organisational capacities will not only improve service delivery but also enable more responsive, evidence-based support for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and employers alike,” Phala said.
She described the strategy as timely amid technological changes, demographic shifts and evolving skills requirements, adding that it could support the implementation of the National Employment Policy 2025 and efforts to promote productive employment and decent work.
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