Tackling joblessness: FG targets 3 million jobs for youths

The Federal Government says it plans to create about three million jobs for young people every year in the coming years. This is part of its effort to reduce unemployment and make better use of Nigeria’s large youth population.

This plan was discussed at the launch of the Youth Policy Dialogue Series in Abuja. The event focused on how to better implement the National Youth Policy and was organised by CoSPAL and the Legislative Mentorship Initiative.

At the event, the head of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Henry Nwawuba, said job creation is a key part of the government’s youth development plan. He added that more opportunities will also be created in areas like agriculture, technology, security, and innovation.

He explained that although Nigeria already has a National Youth Policy, many young people don’t know about it or are not benefiting from it. He called for more awareness and better communication so more youths can take advantage of government programmes.

Nwawuba also said that new ideas and stronger laws can help create more job opportunities, especially in growing sectors like agriculture and technology.

The Secretary-General of CoSPAL, Dapo Oyewole, said Nigeria’s young population is a great advantage if properly managed. He stressed the need for better infrastructure and access to resources so young people can contribute to the country’s development.

He also praised the Ministry of Youth Development for supporting youth-focused programmes and said everyone—government, civil groups, and young people—must work together to make these policies effective.

The Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Aliyu Idris Zakari, suggested increasing the NYSC age limit from 29 to between 33 and 35 years. He said this would help more graduates participate, especially those delayed by economic challenges.

He also called for changes in age limits for government jobs and proposed that youth-related political positions should be held by people aged 18 to 35 to ensure true youth representation.

Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between government, organisations, and young people is needed to turn these policies into real job opportunities across the country.