The Nigerian Government has launched the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to connect trained Nigerians to real job opportunities and strengthen the country’s labor market infrastructure.
According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha announced the initiative during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos on Wednesday.
Explaining the purpose of the new initiative, Onyejeocha said the National Job Centres would serve as nationwide employability hubs integrating technology, data, and career support to improve job placement systems across the country.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 19 (Feb 9 – May 2, 2026): big discounts for early bird.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register for Tekedia AI Lab: From Technical Design to Deployment (next edition begins Jan 24 2026).
“The National Job Centers will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonized and inclusive system. They form part of a national labor framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage,” the minister said.
The Job Centers will also support employers in identifying qualified candidates, while simultaneously helping job seekers access training, internships, and mentorship opportunities. Officials say each center will be equipped with a digital interface linked to the Federal Government’s labor database, making it easier to match workers’ profiles with available openings across states and industries.
Introducing LEEP — a new employability scheme
In addition to the Job Centre Project, Onyejeocha unveiled the Labor Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) — a flagship scheme designed to enhance the employability of young Nigerians and smooth the transition from training to jobs.
“Through LEEP, we are enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and strengthening the bridge between training and jobs. Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,” she said.
LEEP is expected to work in synergy with the Job Centre Project, with both initiatives feeding into Nigeria’s broader human capital development framework. Under the plan, beneficiaries of training or vocational programs will be connected to the Job Centres for placement and advisory support.
Onyejeocha stressed that sustainable employment creation requires collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners. She invited local and international organizations to align with the project’s objectives.
“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labor ecosystem,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships that promote job creation, social inclusion, and economic stability, in line with the government’s national development priorities.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” she said.
Broader labor market challenges
The launch of the National Job Centre Project comes at a time when Nigeria’s unemployment rate remains a source of concern. According to a recent Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) survey, more than 46,000 job seekers competed for openings in 2024, but there were only 22,630 available jobs, averaging just 2,837 vacancies per month.
The findings underscore the deepening pressure in the country’s labor market and the urgent need for effective job-matching and skill development programmes. Out of the total jobseekers surveyed, about 26% (816 individuals) lacked both education and experience, significantly reducing the pool of employable candidates to roughly 2,500 people.
To address this gap, the Lagos State Government has rolled out a series of employment and skill-building programmes in 2025. Among them is the Lagos State Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), designed to give young graduates hands-on experience in both the public and private sectors.
In addition, the state government disbursed N849.55 million in scholarships and bursaries to 10,066 students in tertiary institutions last year. Out of this, N335.6 million went to 1,591 beneficiaries under the 2022/2023 Scholarship Award and Governor’s Discretionary Awards, while N513.95 million was allocated to 6,884 students as part of the 2022/2023 Bursary Award.
The National Job Centre Project and LEEP represent the government’s latest attempt to reposition the country’s labor infrastructure after years of fragmented programmes and inconsistent policy focus. If implemented effectively, officials say the initiative could help reduce youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
For now, the launch signals the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to tackling joblessness not just through temporary empowerment schemes but by building sustainable, data-driven systems capable of connecting Nigeria’s growing youthful population to meaningful employment opportunities.