By Ayo Onikoyi

The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) was officially launched on Tuesday, 15th April 2025, in Abuja, marking a pivotal moment for Nigerians across all sectors of the labour force.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, was visibly beaming with joy as her Ministry-led project came to life before a hall of dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders. The event signaled not just the beginning of a programme, but the birth of a national movement focused on opportunity, empowerment, and economic renewal.

The occasion was graced by prominent figures, including His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Dr. Doris, Minister of State for Finance, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, members of the Nigerian Labour Congress, private sector leaders, and representatives from civil society.

In her address, Honourable Onyejeocha highlighted the ambitious goals of LEEP, stressing its potential to create 2.5 million sustainable jobs within two years while laying the foundation for long-term growth. She noted:

 “With LEEP, we are setting a clear national target to directly and indirectly create at least 2.5 million sustainable jobs within 2 years whilst laying the foundation for long term growth and productivity. But make no mistake; LEEP is not just a program or policy, it is an institutional shift, a signal that the Ministry of State for Labour and Employment is stepping forward to play its full constitutional role, training, upskilling and connecting Nigerians to meaningful work. Our mandate covers the entire spectrum of the Nigerian Labour force. Yet we prioritize youths, women, and persons with disabilities, but our responsibility is broader. We serve the worker regardless of age, gender, or geography.”

Further reinforcing the programme’s alignment with the country’s development agenda, Dr. Doris, Minister of State for Finance, spoke about the need to empower Nigerians with the skills and platforms required to compete on a global scale. “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,” she said.

In a powerful endorsement of the programme, Vice President Kashim Shettima described LEEP as a fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to create an ecosystem where every Nigerian can reach their full potential. He remarked, “LEEP is a fulfilment of the promise made by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to build a national ecosystem where every Nigerian can reach their full potential, and while technology enhances, not threatens our labour market. I must commend the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha for stirring it to this point with purpose and clarity.” He also made a call for collective action, urging all sectors of society to contribute to the success of LEEP.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State expressed strong optimism about the programme’s potential to address some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. “At the end of the day, if we religiously implement this program, I am almost certain, like the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress said, unemployment will reduce drastically, criminality will reduce drastically, our citizens will be engaged and at the end of the day, the expected results will be realised,” he said.

The LEEP initiative is built upon strategic pillars designed to create sustainable opportunities for Nigerians. These include the LEEP Digital Academy, LEEP Job Fairs, LEEP Job Portal, and Vocational and Entrepreneurship Programme. These pillars aim to provide inclusive access to opportunities for all Nigerians.

With the programme now officially launched, the LEEP portal is live, and Nigerians are encouraged to register at www.leep.gov.ng or follow the initiative on Instagram via @leepinitiativ to enjoy its benefits. This marks the beginning of a transformative era for Nigeria’s labour force, and the success of this launch is a testament to the nation’s commitment to sustainable economic development.