NYSP key to unlocking potentials in agric, renewable energy, others – Minister

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has identified the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) as key to unlocking potentials embedded in the agriculture, renewable energy, and digital economy sectors.

The minister, who made this statement during the launch of the NYSP in Abuja, disclosed that the program is targeting 11 key sectors that are vital to national development and have the capacity to create millions of jobs.

According to Bio Ibrahim, the programme is not just a new initiative but a bold and transformative strategy to tackle youth unemployment in the country.

She stated: “Right now, over 42.5 percent of our young people, the lifeblood of our nation, remain unemployed.

“About 33 million young Nigerians wake up daily without a clear path. This is not just a statistic; it is the story of potential untapped, dreams deferred, and futures put on hold.

“We cannot afford to let this continue, and that is why the NYSP is so crucial. With NYSP, we are targeting 11 key sectors that are vital to national development and have the capacity to create millions of jobs.

“Sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and digital economy can potentially drive Nigeria’s future, and NYSP is the key to unlocking this potential.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s unemployment statistics worries youth minister

“With the right skills and training, our youth cannot only find employment but also become the driving force behind these sectors, creating a ripple effect of job opportunities,” Jamila explained.

She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering youth with financial tools to succeed beyond technical skills.

According to her, it is not enough to be skilled; it is important to ensure Nigerian young men and women have access to the capital they need to start their businesses.

“Through the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), we have already allocated N110 billion for the 2024 fiscal year to support youth-led businesses. With the upcoming National Youth Development Bank, we will expand this by providing more youth with the grants, loans, and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into thriving enterprises.

“What makes the NYSP truly special is our commitment to inclusivity. We ensure that this program reaches every corner, from bustling cities to the remote villages of Nigeria in a way that no young person should feel that opportunity is beyond their reach,” the Minister added.

Regretting that young people with disabilities are often left out of the economic conversation, Bio Ibrahim stated: “We are committed to ensuring that 50 percent of program participants will be female, and we have designed pathways for young women to thrive in sectors like technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

“We have also partnered with local and international organizations to ensure that persons with disabilities have full access to all training programs with necessary accommodations provided.

“This is not just a programme for a select few but a program for all young Nigerians, regardless of their gender, background, and abilities.”

She further noted that the initiative cannot achieve desired results without collaborative efforts from Federal Government MDAs, private sectors, civil society, and international partners of repute, which will bring invaluable experience to the table, thereby driving the NYSP to success.

She added that the role of the private sector is particularly important as it creates 72 percent of jobs globally.

“With the NYSP, we are not just offering skills training but providing a holistic solution that aligns the program with global best practices where dual vocational training systems have effectively reduced youth unemployment by combining classroom education with real-world work experience.

“We are adopting this model to fit Nigeria’s unique context by ensuring that our youth receive the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed,” the minister concluded.

In his closing remarks, the Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion of the Ministry, Prince Olugbenga Momoh, thanked the Honourable Minister for the various initiatives the Ministry has introduced to reduce youth unemployment within a short period of her assumption of office as Minister of Youth Development, describing it as unprecedented.