Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Government is poised to launch the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP)—a transformative initiative designed to tackle unemployment and elevate Nigeria’s human capital. Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, LEEP is targeted at creating 2.5 million jobs annually, both directly and indirectly, across multiple sectors of the economy.
Truth Live News reports that while speaking ahead of the launch, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described LEEP as “a quantum leap in employment creation,” noting that the programme goes beyond mere job generation to focus on “building world-class capabilities that ensure long-term economic resilience.”
The Renewed Hope LEEP initiative is structured around five key pillars:
– Centres for Learning Excellence – Cutting-edge hubs for technical, digital, and vocational training.
– Business Incubation and Acceleration – Support structures for start-ups and MSMEs to scale sustainably.
– Sector-Specific Job Creation Initiatives – Targeted programmes across sectors such as ICT, agriculture, construction, and the green economy.
– Labour Market Information System (LMIS) – A real-time digital platform to match skills with job opportunities.
– Social Investment Linkages – Integration with existing federal schemes like N-Power, GEEP, and conditional cash transfers to expand impact.
According to Barrister Onyejeocha, LEEP aligns squarely with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, addressing zero hunger, zero poverty, economic diversification, and decent job creation. With over 53% of Nigeria’s population under 25 and youth unemployment recently estimated at over 40% (according to the National Bureau of Statistics), the LEEP programme is seen as a critical tool for national stability and productivity.
By prioritizing digital skills, green jobs, and entrepreneurship, LEEP prepares Nigerian youth for participation in both local industries and the global economy. The programme also resonates with SDG 8—promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
The launch ceremony is expected to draw key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, multilateral partners, labour unions, and the diplomatic community. It signals a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s economic reset and a bold stride toward a more inclusive, competitive, and self-reliant workforce.