The Federal Government has announced plans to create at least 20,000 jobs every year through the rollout of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0).
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to officially launch the new phase on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Abuja. The event will also feature a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation, themed “From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.”
Ahead of the launch, Shettima inaugurated the Project Steering Committee on Monday, charging members to ensure the programme reaches all regions and remains inclusive in its implementation.
Background
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) was introduced on August 31, 2021, to tackle youth unemployment by offering recent graduates valuable work experience through paid fellowships in both public and private sector organizations.
In February 2022, the European Union pledged €44 million to support the initiative, enabling the placement of 20,000 young Nigerians in one-year paid internships. The programme aims to build a skilled workforce that can contribute to national development and economic growth.
Since its inception, the NJFP has successfully empowered over 14,000 fellows through 12-month paid placements, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience. The programme has enhanced employability, confidence, and long-term career prospects for Nigerian youth.
What You Should Know
The Tinubu administration has intensified efforts to address youth unemployment through various initiatives targeting skills development and job creation across key sectors.
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In April 2025, the government launched the Learning, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Programme (LEEP), aimed at creating 2.5 million jobs within two years by upskilling Nigerians and leveraging technology for future employment opportunities.
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In October 2025, the National Job Centre Project was unveiled — a nationwide digital network of employability hubs designed to connect skilled Nigerians with real job opportunities.
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In partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and SMEDAN, the government also introduced free business name registrations for young entrepreneurs, with a goal to formalize 250,000 small businesses and inject ₦6 billion into the economy.
Through these combined initiatives, the Federal Government aims to foster entrepreneurship, boost job creation, and build a more resilient workforce to power Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
