Maryam Aminu
In a bold move aimed at curbing the country’s rising unemployment rates and fostering youth inclusion in national economic growth, the Federal Government has inaugurated a special committee through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the unemployment crisis and boosting the economic well-being of Nigerian youth.
The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, announced the formation of the joint committee during an official ceremony in Abuja.
The committee, which includes members from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has been tasked with developing innovative strategies to tackle the unemployment scourge that continues to plague the nation’s youth.
Speaking at the inauguration, Comrade Olawande highlighted the NDE’s pivotal role in this collaboration, noting that its mandate aligns with the Ministry’s broader mission of providing gainful employment for young Nigerians.
He emphasized the need for synergy between both entities to create sustainable job opportunities that would have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy.
“The committee will review all existing NDE initiatives, propose improvements, and introduce new programmes specifically aimed at accelerating youth employment.
This collaboration will bring us closer to creating an environment where our young people can thrive,” said Olawande.
The Minister also outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include reviewing the effectiveness of current NDE programmes, proposing new strategies for job creation, and integrating NDE Schedule Officers at the local government level into the Ministry’s upcoming “Green House Initiative.”
In added that the committee will explore opportunities for donor partnerships and work on the development of a youth employment website to accurately track unemployment statistics.
The committee has been given a two-week timeframe to complete its assignment and present its recommendations.
Mr. Umaru Aliyu, Desk Officer of the National Directorate of Employment, reinforced the importance of this collaboration in addressing unemployment.
He noted that NDE has strategically positioned Desk Officers in all 774 local government areas across the country, ensuring that the needs of both formal and informal sectors are met.
Aliyu stressed that the joint effort would extend its focus to senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to reducing unemployment nationwide.
This initiative marks a significant step towards fulfilling the government’s pledge to tackle unemployment, particularly among the youth, who are crucial to the nation’s economic growth. As the committee gets to work, the country watches with anticipation for the new policies and programmes that will help reshape the future of Nigerian youth.
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