By Toba Owojaiye
Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stark warning to the federal and sub-national governments, stating that the country’s escalating rates of militancy, kidnapping, and other social vices are directly linked to the growing unemployment crisis.
Speaking at the official launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) in Abuja, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, urged the government to create sustainable and decent-paying jobs rather than resorting to casual employment models that offer little economic security.
“Employment is the best way to combat our social crises,” Ajaero declared. “Those who are meaningfully engaged will not resort to crime or anti-social behavior. If we tackle unemployment effectively, incidences of militancy, kidnapping, and related insecurity will reduce to the barest minimum.”
Truth Live News gathered that Comrade Ajaero emphasized that LEEP must not become another political gimmick or temporary fix but a long-term institutional solution that creates dignified employment. “We in the labour movement will support any initiative that genuinely empowers Nigerians with sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, said the LEEP initiative was part of the administration’s broader economic reform plan to build a more inclusive and resilient workforce in Nigeria.
“LEEP is the fulfilment of President Tinubu’s promise to create a national ecosystem where every Nigerian can reach their full potential. It is designed to expand employment opportunities, equip citizens with critical digital and vocational skills, and drive economic empowerment through innovation and technology,” Shettima stated.
He noted that the world of work is evolving rapidly due to artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and Nigeria must prepare its workforce to adapt rather than become victims of technological disruption.
“Across continents, machines are replacing hands, and AI is challenging intellects,” Shettima said. “Yet within this uncertainty lies immense opportunity—if only we are bold enough to sail it.”
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, pledged the commitment of the states to the successful rollout of the programme. He stressed that unemployment is not just an economic issue but a national security risk, adding that the productive engagement of the youth would reduce criminality and stimulate economic growth.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the LEEP as a strategic shift from traditional employment initiatives. She said the programme would enhance vocational training, upskilling, and access to sustainable jobs across key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and the creative industries.
“The current unemployment figures are alarming and pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s future,” she noted. “LEEP is not just a programme, it’s a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate in building an inclusive and opportunity-rich society.”
Also speaking, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, described unemployment as one of the most severe social and economic challenges confronting Nigeria today. He expressed confidence that LEEP would serve as a vehicle for long-term transformation if well-implemented.
Nigeria’s unemployment rate has remained alarmingly high, especially among youth, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimating youth unemployment at over 40%. This has contributed to a surge in insecurity, rural-urban migration, drug abuse, and violent crimes—issues which the government now seeks to address through large-scale interventions like LEEP.
LEEP comes at a critical time, with global trends pushing governments to rethink traditional employment strategies. For Nigeria, integrating digital skills, vocational training, and innovation into job creation may be the country’s best hope to curb the spiraling social unrest.
If effectively deployed, the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s economic trajectory and signal a renewed commitment to inclusive development.