The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has officially launched the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving employability, connecting skilled Nigerians with real job opportunities, and strengthening the country’s labour market infrastructure.
According to a statement by her media adviser, Tósìn Olúwálọ̀wọ̀, the Minister made the announcement during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos yesterday.
Onyejeocha emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote dignified and inclusive work for Nigerians.
“The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system,” she said. “They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage.”
Alongside the National Job Centres, Onyejeocha also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) — a flagship scheme designed to bridge the gap between training and job placement for Nigerian youth.
“Through LEEP, we are not only enhancing employability but also building systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,” she explained.
Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its long-standing partnership with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which has supported youth empowerment, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
“Over the past six years, your partnerships have provided skills, created jobs, and offered hope for thousands across Nigeria,” she said, adding that the foundation’s focus on evidence, inclusion, and collaboration resonates deeply with the Federal Government’s agenda to transform skills into sustainable jobs.
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The Minister stressed that creating sustainable and decent work opportunities requires strong collaboration among government institutions, private sector players, development partners, and civil society.
“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort,” Onyejeocha stated. “We invite partners to join us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem.”
Earlier this month, Onyejeocha announced plans to launch the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme before the end of October, targeting the creation of 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs annually.
She noted that through the LEEP Digital Nomads pillar, the ministry aims to equip Nigeria’s youth with the digital skills and literacy needed to tap into global remote work opportunities.
“We will develop and nurture the talents and expertise of our youth population to access income streams from the global job market,” she said.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability — key pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” Onyejeocha concluded.
