NECA, UNDP unveil NJFP 2.0 to tackle Nigeria’s soaring youth unemployment

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has entered a fresh partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to officially unveil the revamped programme on October 22, 2025, at the State House, Abuja.

According to NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the collaboration stems from a recent strategy meeting between NECA and the UNDP–NJFP team, which produced a roadmap to make the second phase more impactful and sustainable. The programme will be fully transitioned to the Federal Government by 2027 for continued implementation.

A flagship initiative supported by the European Union, the NJFP provides 12-month fully paid work placements for young Nigerian graduates across private, public, and non-profit sectors. Fellows receive ₦150,000 monthly stipends, alongside mentorship and market-relevant training to enhance employability.

While the first phase of the programme recorded notable achievements, it also faced challenges in scale and sustainability. The redesigned NJFP 2.0 aims to address those gaps by deepening private sector engagement and creating stronger pathways for permanent employment.

Oyerinde revealed that NECA will play a central role in connecting employers with trained fellows through a national Job Fair scheduled as a side event during the official launch.

“The fair will bring together key industry players to engage with NJFP Fellows and identify placement opportunities,” he said.

NECA also plans to facilitate the recruitment and placement of 20,000 fellows through its employer network, advising the NJFP team on aligning training with sector-specific skills requirements.

In addition, the association will provide data on emerging skills demands, drive policy advocacy, and strengthen Nigeria’s industry-driven training framework.

To further sustain momentum, NECA will host an NJFP Industry Summit in 2026 to evaluate progress, exchange insights, and strengthen collaboration among employers, government, and development partners.

Through this partnership, NECA and UNDP seek to empower a new generation of highly skilled, employable Nigerian youths equipped to drive national growth and economic transformation.