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.

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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.

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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.