From Collins Olayinka, Abuja
Evolving future of employment in Nigeria has assumed an amoebic nature that calls for rethinking and dynamism in the approach to generate the needed jobs, President Bola Tinubu has said.
The President stated this through the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, in Abuja at the launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) at the Presidential Villa.
While charging stakeholders to devise new means and innovative ways of generating jobs, the President noted that across the continent, the idea of what constituted a job was constantly being subjected to interrogation, as machines and robots were replacing human hands, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) was threatening job creation initiatives.
He said, “The future of work in Nigeria must compel us to rethink the dynamics of a rapidly evolving world. Across continents, the very idea of what constitutes a job is being redefined. Machines are replacing hands. Artificial intelligence is challenging intellects. Traditional employment structures are giving way to fluid, digital ecosystems. Yet, within this uncertainty lies a sea of opportunity, if only we are bold enough to sail it.”
Tinubu commended the Minister and staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for working hard to ensure LEEP unfolded into a reality, describing them as the quiet architects of progress.
On what the administration intended to achieve with the programme, Tinubu said: “The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) is a well-considered response to a pressing national need. As jobs become increasingly vulnerable to technological disruption, our duty is not to lament but to prepare. LEEP aims to provide comprehensive training that equips our people with the right skills to compete and contribute to today’s global economy.”
According to him, LEEP is not just about creating jobs but a transformational approach, adding that it targets all sectors of the economy, including the expanding gig economy, and leverages technology to connect employers with a skilled and ready workforce.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State pledged the support and commitment of state governors to the successful implementation of the programme. He said if the scheme was religiously implemented, the economy would be significantly impacted through the reduction in unemployment and criminality.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment said the programme was aimed at expanding access to sustainable employment and stimulating vocational training.
Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara, described LEEP as a bold step by the administration of President Tinubu to decisively address the challenge of unemployment in Nigeria and reposition employment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
Also, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said the initiative must be properly implemented to meet its objective of creating quality and sustainable jobs.
