FG Targets 20,000 Jobs Annually as Shettima Launches Second Phase of Jubilee Fellows Programme

The Federal Government has announced plans to create at least 20,000 jobs every year through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0), an initiative designed to connect talented young graduates with practical work experience, training, and mentorship opportunities.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of the NJFP 2.0 Project Steering Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima said the renewed programme aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing graduates with platforms to apply their skills in productive sectors.

“The NJFP is a deliberate attempt to translate our demographic strength into economic power. When government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion,” he said.

The Vice President urged committee members to ensure inclusivity and measurable impact, stressing that the initiative must reach youth across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds.

“Our young people are not a homogenous group. We must ensure that this opportunity reaches every corner of the country — particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries,” he added.

Speaking at the event, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, expressed optimism that the programme would transform the lives of young Nigerians, adding that EU’s support would help maximize NJFP’s potential.

UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, described the NJFP 2.0 as part of a broader national and continental vision to create a sustainable ecosystem for youth employment. She commended Shettima for championing the initiative, noting that Nigeria’s young people need investment and an enabling environment to thrive.

Earlier, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, explained that NJFP 2.0 was redesigned to align with current economic realities and lessons from the first phase, targeting the deployment of at least 20,000 fellows annually.

According to Hadejia, the new phase — with funding support from the EU and implementation by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) — will place a minimum of 24,000 fellows over the next 10 months, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation, skills development, and youth empowerment.

Launched in 2022, the NJFP has already empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through year-long paid fellowships, equipping them with hands-on experience and career growth opportunities.