The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has applauded the Federal Government’s introduction of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), describing it as a timely intervention to address the nation’s unemployment crisis.
NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero gave the endorsement on Tuesday during his goodwill message at the programme’s official launch at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Ajaero expressed optimism that the initiative, if properly implemented to deliver sustainable employment opportunities, could significantly reduce crime rates across the country.
The NLC’s backing comes as the Federal Government aims to create 2.5 million jobs through the scheme within two years, an initiative under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“I want to acknowledge the programme today, the labour movement, we identify with any programme that enhances employment. And employment is the best way to cope with our social crisis.
“People that are engaged, people that are working, will not think of other social crises. The level of militancy, the level of kidnapping will come to the barest level if we create jobs. And that is why the labour movement identifies with this, 100%.
“If this is properly implemented, because I think that’s the greatest problem we have, is poor finishing. I think if this is properly implemented, Nigeria will be heaven of sort. And I want to say, at any stage where the input of the labour movement is required, where our assistance is required, we’ll be there, because it will benefit the people of Nigeria.
“This is not a speech making day, but I think main message is to identify with the programme. I think at every point in time, we need to be involved in what is happening, to see where it is pinching us. Programmes without the input of the workers are not the best.
“And I wish to advise all policy formulators to coordinate with the implementers of such policies, so that we have a level playing ground and end it successfully.
The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) was officially launched today at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
This initiative marks a strategic repositioning of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment towards active job creation, with an ambitious target of generating 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs within two years.
The programme featured three key components: a pioneering digital employment platform for real-time job matching, a Comprehensive Diaspora Skills Database to harness global Nigerian expertise, and nationwide skills development initiatives targeting critical sectors from agriculture to technology. Designed as the employment pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, LEEP represents a fundamental shift from the ministry’s traditional regulatory role to becoming Nigeria’s central hub for job creation and workforce development.
The ceremony witnessed the gathering of Nigeria’s political leadership, including Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and several cabinet members. Key attendees included Minister of Health Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite representing the Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
The subnational government was strongly represented by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Abdullah Sule of Nasarawa, and deputy governors from Kogi and Kaduna States. The event also brought together heads of labour-related agencies, ILO, NLC TUC, leadership of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, and other distinguished guests, all united in their support for this groundbreaking initiative to tackle Nigeria’s employment challenges.
Discussion about this post