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ABUJA, Nigeria - The evolving landscape of employment in Nigeria has taken on a fluid form that necessitates a re-evaluation and adaptability in the strategies to produce the required jobs, as stated by President Bola Tinubu.
The President conveyed this message via Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, during the launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He urged stakeholders to create new and innovative methods for job generation, pointing out that the concept of a job is continuously being questioned across the continent, as machines and robots are taking over manual labor, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses a threat to job creation efforts.
He remarked, “The future of work in Nigeria must prompt us to reconsider the dynamics of a fast-changing world. Globally, the very definition of a job is being reshaped. Machines are replacing human labor. Artificial intelligence is challenging our intellectual capacities. Conventional employment frameworks are transitioning into flexible, digital ecosystems. Nevertheless, amid this uncertainty lies a vast array of opportunities, provided we have the courage to navigate them.”
Tinubu expressed appreciation for the Minister and staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for their diligence in making LEEP a reality, referring to them as the unsung architects of progress.
Regarding the goals of the initiative, Tinubu noted: “The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) is a thoughtful response to an urgent national issue. As jobs increasingly face the threat of technological disruption, our responsibility is not to complain but to prepare. LEEP seeks to offer comprehensive training that equips our citizens with the essential skills to thrive and contribute to the global economy today.”
He emphasized that LEEP goes beyond merely creating jobs; it represents a transformative approach that targets all economic sectors, including the burgeoning gig economy, and utilizes technology to connect employers with a capable and prepared workforce.
Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma expressed his commitment and the support of fellow state governors for the effective execution of the program.
He asserted that if the scheme is implemented diligently, it could significantly benefit the economy by reducing unemployment and criminal activities.
In her comments, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment indicated that the program aims to broaden access to sustainable employment and promote vocational training.
Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara, described LEEP as a decisive initiative by President Tinubu's administration to effectively tackle unemployment challenges in Nigeria and realign employment strategies with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Additionally, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stated that the initiative's success depends on its proper implementation to fulfill its goal of generating quality and sustainable jobs.
