LEEP Initiative: Nigeria’s New Strategy to Equip Citizens for Future Work

In a decisive move to combat unemployment and prepare Nigerians for the demands of a fast-evolving global economy, the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) officially launched on April 15, 2025, in Abuja.

The LEEP Initiative, founded by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is designed to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s abundant human potential and modern job market. Through a combination of digital skills training, entrepreneurship mentorship, and structured employment pathways, the program is set to empower thousands of young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in their careers.

In attendance were prominent figures in Nigeria, His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite the Minister of State for Finance, members of the Nigerian Labour Congress, and representatives from various organisations.

At the launch, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha emphasized that LEEP is not merely another job creation scheme, she stressed that the LEEP initiative focuses on sustainable career development rather than short-term employment, a means of reducing the rate of poverty in Nigeria

Echoing this vision, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, described the LEEP initiative as a “transformational step” that aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to her, the initiative represents a deep understanding of the urgency to equip Nigerians with the skills, opportunities, and platforms necessary to thrive in workplace.

“LEEP speaks directly to our national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and its design reflects an understanding of the urgent need to empower Nigerians with the skills, opportunities, and platforms required to compete on a global scale. It is a transformational step towards positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation, talent, and enterprise,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite stated.

LEEP aims not just to create jobs, but to prepare young Nigerians for a sustainable career. This initiative is designed to address skills gap and bridge reduce unemployment by offering Nigerians access to digital trainings, entrepreneural coaching and direct pathways to employment.

As Nigeria navigates the challenges of global economic shifts and technology, LEEP Initiative provides a proactive solution to the growing need for workforce adaptability. The LEEP Initiative hopes to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and reduce its reliance on traditional employment models.

Young Nigerians are encouraged to seize this opportunity by visiting the official website: leep.gov.ng and signing up to access the training, mentorship, and employment platforms the program offers.