The Federal Government has directed the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to prioritise job creation over training figures, saying employment programmes must deliver measurable outcomes.
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Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, made the call at the unveiling of NDE’s five-year strategic plan for 2027–2031 in Abuja on Friday.
Represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Kamil Shoretire, Dingyadi said the plan must translate into actionable programmes, realistic targets and measurable performance indicators.
He said success should be measured by how many trainees secure jobs, establish viable enterprises, improve their incomes and sustain their livelihoods, rather than simply counting those trained.
The minister urged NDE to ensure women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups have equitable access to skills development, entrepreneurship support and sustainable employment.
NDE Director-General Silas Agara described the plan as a roadmap for tackling unemployment, strengthening skills development and expanding sustainable jobs nationwide.
He said it would move the directorate from fragmented interventions to a coordinated, evidence-based and results-oriented approach aligned with labour market demands.
Agara said implementation required clear responsibilities, adequate resources, measurable targets and effective monitoring, with the strategy integrated into annual work plans, budgets and performance assessments.
He disclosed that NDE operates 87 Skills Training Centres, alongside Agricultural Training Centres and Common Facility Centres. Many need rehabilitation or upgrading to meet current training demands.
Agara called for government, development partner and private sector support to modernise facilities, harmonise curricula and strengthen post-training assistance for beneficiaries seeking jobs or establishing businesses.
ILO Country Director Vanessa Phala, represented by Head of Programmes Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, commended NDE for developing the strategy.
Phala said it aligned with the National Employment Policy 2025 and would strengthen employment promotion, decent work and livelihood development while making interventions more responsive and inclusive.
She highlighted a proposed modern public employment service, improved labour market information systems and stronger organisational capacity as essential to improving services for job seekers, employers and entrepreneurs.
Phala urged stakeholders to align resources and use monitoring and evaluation to track progress and strengthen accountability.
What Changes
The plan shifts attention from training totals to jobs, viable businesses, income gains and sustained livelihoods. It calls for upgraded facilities, post-training support and inclusive access. No recruitment or application portal was announced. The plan covers the next five years.
