Economy

FG Unveils Ambitious Youth Jobs Plan for Nigeria

Published

6 months ago

May 7, 2026

Nigeria youth jobs plan targets three million annual jobs through reforms in agriculture, technology and youth development

The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at creating about three million jobs annually for young Nigerians as part of broader efforts to tackle unemployment and harness the country’s growing youth population.

Also read: FG PTDF Scholarship Opens 2025/2026 Applications

The plan was presented in Abuja during the launch of the Youth Policy Dialogue Series, an event focused on strengthening implementation of the National Youth Policy.

The programme was organised by CoSPAL in collaboration with the Legislative Mentorship Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Henry Nwawuba said job creation remains central to the government’s youth development agenda.

Henry Nwawuba explained that new employment opportunities would be expanded across key sectors including agriculture, technology, security and innovation.

He added that although Nigeria already operates a National Youth Policy framework, many young people remain unaware of its provisions or unable to benefit from existing programmes.

The official called for stronger awareness campaigns and improved communication to ensure more youths can access government-backed opportunities.

The Nigeria youth jobs plan also seeks to encourage innovation and legislative reforms capable of driving employment growth in emerging sectors of the economy.

Henry Nwawuba noted that strategic policies and stronger legal frameworks could unlock fresh opportunities, particularly in technology and agribusiness, where youth participation continues to rise.

Secretary-General of CoSPAL, Dapo Oyewole, described Nigeria’s youthful population as a powerful national asset if properly managed.

Dapo Oyewole stressed the importance of improving infrastructure and expanding access to resources needed to support entrepreneurship and productivity among young Nigerians.

He also commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for backing youth-centred initiatives and urged stronger collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations and young people.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Aliyu Idris Zakari, proposed an increase in the age limit for the National Youth Service Corps programme from 29 to between 33 and 35 years.

Aliyu Idris Zakari argued that the adjustment would accommodate graduates whose academic progress was delayed by economic hardship and other social challenges.

He also advocated reforms to age limits in public sector recruitment and recommended that youth-related political offices should be occupied by individuals between the ages of 18 and 35.

Also read: FG Launches Hydropower Centre to Boost Rural Electricity Access

Participants at the dialogue agreed that effective cooperation among government institutions, private organisations and youth groups would be crucial in transforming policy discussions into tangible employment opportunities nationwide.

Up Next

IMF Warns AI Cyber Threats Could Destabilise Banks

Don't Miss

Naira Posts Positive Gain Against Dollar at Official Market

Victory Emmanuel

Click to comment

Economy

NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

Published

7 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

NRS VAT rate remains 7.5%, the agency says, while addressing concerns over bank deductions, loans and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assured taxpayers that Nigeria’s standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains 7.5 per cent, while addressing concerns over the implementation of the country’s new tax reforms.

Also read: Wike Celebrates Fintiri at 59, Hails Him as Loyal Friend

The assurance was given by the Tax Administrator responsible for Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, Samaila Abdullahi, during an NRS stakeholders’ engagement and tax reform sensitisation programme in Kano.

Abdullahi said concerns raised by individuals, traders, business owners and other stakeholders about the new tax laws were understandable, particularly questions relating to bank transactions, loans, family transfers, business income and the potential impact on small businesses.

He urged taxpayers to understand the reforms through the provisions of the law rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.

According to him, the tax laws do not automatically authorise deductions from personal bank accounts.

He stressed that tax collection and recovery must follow the applicable legal provisions and procedures.

Abdullahi also clarified that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as business income or profit, explaining that proper documentation is essential to establish the nature of a transaction.

“For instance, when a trader receives a loan of N500,000, the amount should not automatically be treated as N500,000 in sales or profit, provided the transaction is properly documented,” he said.

The NRS official’s comments were aimed at addressing public concerns about how the new tax framework would affect personal finances and business transactions.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between taxable business receipts and other funds, such as documented loans, when determining a taxpayer’s obligations.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s tax reforms and questions about their implications for individuals, traders and small businesses.