The Katsina State Government, through the Department of Employment Promotions, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that between 7,000 and 8,000 young people across the state, both male and female, are gainfully employed under various federal government programmes to reduce unemployment.
Hon Ahmad Nowa, the Special Adviser on Employment Promotions, made this known while speaking in Katsina. He stated that the department’s efforts align with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda, which is expected to be fully achieved by 2027.
“The number of youths unemployment is a source of concern to the department and the state, these will be tackled through the numerous federal government programmes provided to the state,” he said.
Nowa explained that in 2025, the state witnessed several recruitment exercises aimed at reducing joblessness among young people. He mentioned that during the Nigeria Army 89 and 90 regular recruitment programs, about 800 candidates drawn from the 34 Local Government Areas were successful.
He also noted that under the Police Service Commission’s second batch recruitment exercise, between 286 and 300 youths were recruited, in addition to the first batch conducted in 2024, where 525 candidates from the state were enlisted.
According to him, Katsina State has continued to benefit from recruitment opportunities into the Nigeria Navy, Air Force, Civil Defense, Correctional Service, Immigration, Customs, and Fire Service, all contributing to reducing youth unemployment.
“Another opportunity is presently ongoing, as some portals are now open for candidates to complete the necessary procedures and processes into their desired institution, already candidates have completed the CBT exams, awaiting the screening exercise,” he added.
Nowa described the turnout of candidates across the state as impressive but pointed out that the number of available slots is often limited. “For example, in 2024, what was shortlisted is about 27,000 applicants, but only about 800-1000 got enlisted,” he stated.
The Special Adviser emphasized that unemployment levels have significantly improved through the recruitment of youths into various military and paramilitary institutions under the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
“The measures taken to curtail youths unemployment on assumption of office include the recruitment of 10,000 youths to teach in primary and secondary schools, another 6,000 recruited into the state Community Watch Corps to confront the security challenges bedeviling the state,” he said.
