The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, has called on global partners and the private sector to support Nigeria’s efforts to bridge its growing skills gap and create jobs for millions of young people.
Speaking on Monday at the Skills-to-Jobs: Strengthening Workforce Systems for Economic Growth forum held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Onyejeocha said Nigeria’s most valuable resource is its population. She emphasized that equipping citizens with relevant skills is essential to reducing unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“Our nation’s greatest resource is its people. By equipping Nigerians, especially our youth, with the right skills and creating pathways to meaningful jobs, we are not only reducing unemployment but also laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” she said.
The forum was organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with Tech4Dev, Semicolon, and Avaara Partners. It brought together government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss workforce innovation and job creation strategies.
Onyejeocha explained that closing the skills-to-jobs divide would not only prepare Nigerians for the future of work but also position the country as a leader in digital and industrial transformation across Africa.
She urged stakeholders to increase investment in skills development and ensure education systems are aligned with the demands of the labour market.
Her call was supported by contributions from representatives of the Nigerian government, the World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, and other private sector players.
They agreed that strong public-private partnerships are vital to building a resilient workforce that can drive long-term economic development and create sustainable jobs for Nigeria’s growing youth population.