Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday officially launched the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a major federal initiative designed to create 2.5 million sustainable jobs across Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Developed by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, LEEP is anchored on six strategic pillars aimed at addressing youth unemployment while positioning Nigeria as a dynamic player in the global digital economy.
Describing the launch as a “season of opportunity,” Shettima emphasized the urgency of equipping Nigerians—especially the youth—with the skills required for the rapidly evolving global workforce, shaped by technological innovation and digital platforms.
“This is a call to action,” Shettima said during the unveiling ceremony in Abuja. “We must embrace the future of work, one driven by digital ecosystems. Our young people don’t need to ‘Japa’ to thrive—they can succeed right here.”
The LEEP initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and targets employment creation through digital, vocational, and entrepreneurial training. It aims to connect skilled Nigerian workers with opportunities in traditional industries, remote jobs, and the gig economy.
Highlighting Nigeria’s unique advantages—such as English language proficiency, a youthful population, and time zone alignment with major markets—Shettima pointed to India’s $125 billion annual outsourcing industry as a benchmark Nigeria can meet or surpass.
“Nigeria has all it takes to become a global outsourcing powerhouse,” he stated. “With a population of over 230 million and a median age of 16.9, by 2050, we will be 440 million strong. This is our moment.”
Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, echoed the Vice President’s sentiments, stating that LEEP is a deliberate effort to combat unemployment through data-driven and demand-focused job creation.
“LEEP is structured to identify in-demand skills, train our youth, and match talent with market needs,” Dingyadi said. “It’s about empowering Nigerians to become self-reliant contributors to the economy.”
The programme’s six pillars include the LEEP Digital Academy, which will offer training in artificial intelligence, software development, data analysis, and digital marketing; Vocational and Entrepreneurship Programmes (VEP); job fairs; the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX); and remote work initiatives.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, will lead the national rollout of LEEP, ensuring accessibility and inclusion across all regions.
“With this programme, we aim to create at least 2.5 million jobs over the next two years, while laying the groundwork for long-term economic transformation
