Minister launches NYSP, unveils strategy to combat unemployment
By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Youth Development, Bio Ibrahim, has launched the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP), a transformative initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing youth unemployment crisis.
Speaking at the launch held in her office in Abuja, Ibrahim emphasized that the program is more than just a new policy; it is a comprehensive solution to one of the nation’s most critical challenges.
“Over 42.5 percent of our youth, the lifeblood of this nation, remain unemployed. About 33 million young Nigerians wake up each day without a clear path to their future,” Ibrahim stated. “This is not just a statistic—it is a story of untapped potential, deferred dreams, and futures put on hold. We cannot allow this to continue, and that’s why the National Youth Skills Program is so vital.”
The NYSP, she explained, will focus on 11 key sectors essential to national development, including agriculture, renewable energy, and the digital economy.
According to Ibrahim, these sectors have the capacity to create millions of jobs, and with the right training and skills, Nigerian youth can become leaders in these industries, driving further job creation.
“NYSP is designed to unlock Nigeria’s potential,” she said. “With proper skills training, our youth can not only secure employment but also become the driving force behind the growth of critical sectors, creating a ripple effect of job opportunities across the country.”
Beyond technical training, the Minister stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring young Nigerians have access to the financial resources needed to succeed.
She highlighted the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), which has already allocated ₦110 billion for the 2024 fiscal year to support youth-led businesses.
In addition, the upcoming National Youth Development Bank will provide further financial support, including grants, loans, and mentorship to help young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving enterprises.
The Minister also emphasized the inclusive nature of the NYSP, ensuring that youth from all corners of Nigeria, including those in rural areas, have access to the program.
She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to gender equality and disability inclusion, with a promise that 50 percent of program participants would be women. “We’ve designed pathways for young women to thrive in sectors like technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship,” Ibrahim added.
To ensure that young people with disabilities are not left behind, the Minister said partnerships have been established with local and international organizations to provide full access to training programs, with necessary accommodations made for participants with disabilities.
The success of the NYSP, according to Ibrahim, will depend on collaborative efforts between federal ministries, the private sector, civil society, and international partners.
She highlighted the critical role of the private sector, which accounts for 72 percent of global job creation. “The private sector’s involvement is crucial in driving the NYSP forward,” she said.
In line with global best practices, the NYSP will adopt a dual vocational training model that combines classroom education with real-world work experience. “We are offering not just skills training, but a holistic approach that ensures our youth receive both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed,” Ibrahim concluded.
Prince Olugbenga Momoh, Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion at the Ministry, commended the Minister for her efforts to tackle youth unemployment since assuming office.
He described her initiatives as unprecedented and crucial in reducing the alarming unemployment rate among Nigeria’s youth.
