On Friday, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and others addressed the menace of rising unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) were leading private sector organisations, government representatives, and
development partners at the NJFP 2.0 Employers’ Forum in Lagos, catalysing renewed commitments to strengthening Nigeria’s workforce pipeline and accelerating youth employment in Lagos.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was ably represented by Chairman, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs Boladele Dapo-Thomas, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth employment and private
sector collaboration.
He commended the Union for its sustained funding and commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.
The Governor described the move as a direct investment in human capital powering the nation’s development.
“I commend the European Union for its sustained funding and its commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation. I equally
commend UNDP Nigeria for the excellence of its implementation and applaud every employer in this forum today. Your presence here is not ceremonial; it is an act of patriotism.
“By hosting fellows, offering mentorship and opening your organisations to Nigeria’s graduates, you are making a direct investment in the human capital that will power this nation’s next chapter”. He said
In her remarks, the Head of Section Green and Digital Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, reaffirmed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s workforce development efforts.
She expressed delight in supporting initiatives delivering tangible results for youths and businesses.
Inga stated that such a platform not only addresses unemployment but strengthening foundations for sustainable economic growth.
“The European Union is proud to support initiatives like NJFP that deliver tangible results for young people and for businesses.
“By equipping graduates with relevant skills and connecting them to real workplace opportunities, we are not only addressing unemployment, but we are also strengthening the foundations for sustainable economic growth.” She said.
Also speaking, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth.
Elsie said the presence of associations, financial institutions, technology firms, manufacturers, agribusinesses, and innovation ecosystem actors here sends a strong signal that workforce transformation is increasingly being recognised as a shared national responsibility and a shared economic opportunity.
“This Employers’ Forum is therefore important not only because of the commitments it seeks to mobilise for NJFP placements, but because it represents a broader platform for strengthening long-term partnership between talent development, enterprise
growth, and economic transformation in Nigeria.
“The participation of major employers, MSMEs, industry associations, financial institutions, technology firms, manufacturers, agribusinesses, and innovation ecosystem actors here today sends a strong signal that workforce transformation is increasingly being recognised as a shared national responsibility and a shared economic opportunity.” She said.
