Senior government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders have called for stronger collaboration to tackle rising youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria. The call was made at the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 Employers’ Forum in Lagos, where stakeholders reviewed strategies to expand job opportunities and strengthen graduate employability.
The NJFP, funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNDP in partnership with the Federal Government, aims to bridge the gap between education and work through structured placements and mentorship for young graduates.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented by Akubo Adegbe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through partnerships with key stakeholders.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Boladele Dapo-Thomas, also restated the state’s support for employment and skills development initiatives. He commended the European Union for its continued support to Nigeria’s development efforts and praised employers participating in the programme for providing mentorship and workplace opportunities to graduates.
EU and UNDP representatives highlighted the programme’s impact in equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and linking them to workplace opportunities, while urging stronger collaboration across sectors.
Stakeholders agreed that sustained partnerships between government, development partners, and the private sector remain key to reducing unemployment and preparing youths for the evolving labour market.
