The Federal Government has finalised plans to invest a substantial sum of $220 million aimed at creating sustainable job opportunities for the nation’s youth.
The Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this on Wednesday during the formal launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Nigerian government, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to bridge the persistent gap between academic qualifications and practical work experience for graduates.
NJFP 2.0 is expected to provide thousands of young Nigerians with hands-on job placements, skills training, and mentorship opportunities designed to equip them for the workforce.
Vice President Shettima explained that the program intended to harness Nigeria’s demographic advantage by turning its youthful population into a productive economic force.
According to him, “This investment is not just about creating jobs; it is about transforming our demographic strength into economic power.
“When government provides clear structure, meaningful partnerships, and a focused sense of purpose, young Nigerians rise to the challenge,” he said.
The Vice President underscored the government’s commitment to institutionalising NJFP within national planning and budgeting processes to ensure the program’s sustainability and long-term success.
Hs words: “Our administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is determined to deepen national ownership by embedding the programme into government frameworks.
”This reflects our confidence in its transformative potential,” Shettima added.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Shettima called on private sector players, development partners, and donor agencies to join efforts in raising $220 million for the NJFP Basket Fund, a dedicated financing mechanism designed to secure the program’s future.
He emphasised that this funding goal should not be viewed as charity but as an investment in Nigeria’s most valuable resource: its young people.
The Vice President also urged the EU, UNDP, and other stakeholders to treat the launch of NJFP 2.0 as a demonstration of shared responsibility in tackling youth unemployment.
“Youth employment is not just a policy priority for government; it is a collective responsibility. It requires strong partnerships between public institutions, private sector leaders, and philanthropic organizations,” he said.
He reminded Nigerians that young people are not asking for handouts but a fair and meritocratic system that recognizes effort and rewards talent.
“The task before us is both serious and inspiring. Nigerian youth are ready to build their future if we are ready to back them,” he further said.
