Shettima Launches NJFP 2.0 to Create 20,000 Jobs Annually

Vice President Kashim Shettima has unveiled plans by the Federal Government to generate at least 20,000 jobs each year through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0).

Speaking ahead of the official launch slated for October 22 in Abuja, Shettima said the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing young graduates with practical work experience, mentorship, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

He also inaugurated the Project Steering Committee, urging members to ensure inclusivity and deliver tangible results that positively impact the lives of Nigerian youths.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, jointly implemented by the Federal Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the European Union (EU), was first introduced in 2022 to bridge the gap between academic learning and employment. Over 14,000 young Nigerians have already benefited from the 12-month paid fellowship.

Describing the new phase as a strategic step toward empowering youths as drivers of national growth, Shettima emphasized the need for collaboration between government institutions and development partners.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, noted that NJFP 2.0 has been redesigned to align with current economic realities and lessons from the first phase. Supported by the EU, the new phase aims to deploy at least 24,000 fellows over the next 10 months through employment placements and entrepreneurship training across sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industry.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, lauded the programme as a transformative model for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation.

They reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with Nigeria in promoting innovation and expanding employment opportunities, describing NJFP 2.0 as a strong example of effective collaboration between government and development partners.