By OKON OKON/JOAN NWAGWU

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the revised National Employment Policy (NEP) to foster a productive and employment-intensive economy in Nigeria.

The policy, developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and German Development Cooperation (GIZ), aims to promote full employment as a central national objective.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, unveiled the policy in Abuja, describing it as a renewed vision for inclusive growth, equity, productivity, and sustainability in the labour market.

He said the review was necessary due to persistent challenges, including high youth unemployment, underemployment, gender disparities, informality, and regional inequalities.

?Global trends such as automation, climate change, and digitalisation have further impacted the world of work.

?The NEP 2025 is not just a document of intent but a strategic tool aligned with Nigeria?s National Development Plan (2021?2025), the African Union Agenda 2063, the ILO?s Future of Work Initiative,? Dingyadi said.

He added that it also aligned with President Bola Tinubu?s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting the government?s commitment to inclusive growth and job creation.

Dingyadi said that the policy would promote decent work, formalise the informal sector, boost employability, and tap into emerging job-rich sectors like the digital, green, blue, and orange economies.

The revised NEP, he noted, included measurable indicators and practical guidelines for implementation, with a focus on youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

Dingyadi also highlighted the role of the National Employment Council in ensuring coordination across government agencies to prevent duplication of efforts.

He called on state governments to domesticate the policy and align employment strategies with national goals, describing job creation as a shared responsibility.

He urged the private sector to invest in employment-rich sectors and support skill development and workplace innovation.

Dingyadi also appealed to development partners for continued technical and financial support.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Eustace James, NLC?s Focal Person on Migration, who represented the President, Joe Ajaero, said employment is essential to human dignity and social development.

?Nothing is more important for working people than being decently engaged. Employment guarantees wages and economic inclusion,? he said.

Ajaero said the NLC fully participated in the review and pledged to support the policy?s effective implementation.

Mr Austin Erameh, ILO representative, described the policy as a timely intervention to address unemployment, underemployment, and skill mismatches, noting that it was developed through inclusive consultations with workers, employers, and stakeholders.

?It provides a progressive framework to improve wealth creation, ensure decent wages, and enhance the well-being of Nigerians,? he said.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers? Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described the NEP as a significant step toward aligning Nigeria?s labour market framework with global best practices and national development goals.

He was represented by NECA?s Director of Labour and Social Affairs, Mrs Adenike Adebayo-Ajala.

Ms. Rachel Schipper, representing GIZ, said the policy?s development took over two years of consultation and technical review, culminating in its approval by the Federal Executive Council on May 19, 2025.

?It provides a clear, actionable framework for addressing systemic employment barriers, from skills gaps to green and digital economy opportunities,? she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the revised NEP is expected to guide employment initiatives across all levels of government and the private sector. (NAN)

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