FG and NECA Collaborate to Boost Job Creation Through Skill Development
The Federal Government of Nigeria, alongside the Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA), has launched a new initiative aimed at equipping unemployed Nigerians with the critical skills required for today’s job market. The initiative was introduced at the 2024 Abuja Job Fair, organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and NECA, with support from various international organizations, including the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, highlighted that the platform’s primary focus is on empowering job seekers through skill development. He emphasized that the 2024 Job Fair aims to equip participants not only for current job opportunities but also for future challenges and innovations.
Dingyadi noted that the initiative goes beyond the typical job fair by offering participants more than just connections with employers. It provides a space for intensive training in both technical and soft skills, such as effective communication, adaptability, and critical thinking, which are crucial for success in today’s fast-paced work environment.
The Federal Government is dedicated to addressing the root causes of joblessness by promoting a culture of continuous skill development, innovation, and sustainability. The initiative also ensures that job seekers gain meaningful and transformative connections with potential employers.
NECA’s Director-General, Mrs. Adenike Adebayo Ajala, spoke about the organization’s long-standing commitment to advancing technical and vocational education in Nigeria. She revealed plans for a digital academy in Abuja by next year, where young people will be trained in essential digital skills.
Dr. Karen Jansen, representing the German Government, discussed the ongoing collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasizing the importance of digital skills and technological innovations. Meanwhile, Ojoma Ali, Migration Specialist at the Embassy of Switzerland, stressed the significance of acquiring digital skills for employability in the modern job market.
This collaborative effort aims to provide Nigerian youth with the tools needed to thrive in an evolving global economy. Through the initiative, participants will gain invaluable skills and connections that can drive both personal and professional success.
