The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in initiatives aimed at creating more employment opportunities for young Nigerians across various sectors of the economy.
The initiative, which is part of a broader effort to tackle youth unemployment and promote inclusive growth, will focus on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and small business development.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja, explaining that the investment would be channelled through a partnership with international development agencies and private sector stakeholders. According to her, the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment and innovation-driven job creation.
She said the funds will be invested in technology-based training centers, startup incubators, and vocational skill programs designed to prepare Nigerian youths for global opportunities. “This initiative will not only create jobs but also equip young Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the modern economy,” Dr Ibrahim stated.
The minister added that the government is working with state governments, financial institutions, and youth organizations to ensure transparency and effective implementation of the project. She emphasized that the initiative will particularly target young women and people living in rural areas to reduce inequality and promote balanced development.
She further noted that the $220 million investment will also support the establishment of youth innovation hubs across the country. These hubs, she said, will serve as platforms for collaboration, training, and entrepreneurship support for young innovators.
Dr Ibrahim assured that the government’s goal is to create sustainable employment and build a generation of self-reliant youth who can contribute to national growth. “Our vision is to empower young Nigerians not just to seek jobs but to create them,” she added.