The Federal Government on Tuesday formally rolled out the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), setting a goal to generate 2.5 million jobs within a two-year period.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima unveiled the programme during an event at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he offered further insight into the national initiative.
The launch was announced in a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President) on April 15, 2025.
LEEP: A Renewed Hope Initiative
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had initially announced the plan to launch Renewed Hope Labour LEEP during his Independence Day address on October 1, 2024. At the time, he declared that the programme would target the creation of 2.5 million jobs.
LEEP Is FG’s Promise Delivered
At the unveiling, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to building a country where every member of the workforce can reach their full potential.
He emphasized that the government is focusing on upskilling and reskilling citizens to prepare them for current jobs as well as future roles.
He explained that the programme “is designed to expand employment opportunities, equip Nigerians with critical skills, and drive economic empowerment through innovation and technology.”
“LEEP is the fulfilment of the promise made by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to build a national ecosystem where every Nigerian worker can reach their full potential and where technology enhances, not threatens, our labour market,” Shettima added.
Appreciation for Ministry of Labour
The Vice President praised the Minister and staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for their dedication, describing them as the quiet architects of progress.
He said the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme was a deliberate response to a national need.
“As jobs become increasingly vulnerable to technological disruption, our duty is not to lament but to prepare,” he said.
According to Shettima, LEEP aims to offer comprehensive training that will help people acquire the necessary skills to thrive and contribute meaningfully in the global economy.
“This intervention isn’t just about creating jobs. It is about transformation. LEEP targets all sectors of the economy, including the expanding Gig economy, and leverages technology to connect employers with a skilled and ready workforce,” he added.
Call for Partnerships
Shettima used the occasion to invite the private sector, civil society organisations, trade unions, and international partners to collaborate on the programme. He stressed that LEEP must not be left to government alone, as it is a collective national responsibility.
More Insight from Key Officials
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, said the initiative was designed to improve access to employment opportunities and promote vocational training across Nigeria.
She noted that Nigeria’s current unemployment figures pose a serious threat to the country’s future.
Perspective from NDE
Mr. Silas Agara, Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, said LEEP represents a bold step by the current administration.
According to him, the programme was carefully structured by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with its parastatals.
He stated that LEEP is designed to provide employability skills to Nigerian youth and contribute to economic development by delivering 2.5 million jobs within two years.
Agara expressed confidence that the programme will provide a decisive solution to Nigeria’s unemployment challenge while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
What to Remember
Earlier in March 2025, President Tinubu launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s low human capital index, unemployment issues, and other development challenges.
This launch also follows the reported drop in Nigeria’s unemployment rate from 5.3% in Q1 2024 to 4.3% in Q2 2024.