By Joan Nwagwu
The Federal Government has urged the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to prioritise actual job creation over training figures to ensure measurable employment outcomes.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, said this at the unveiling of NDE’s five-year strategic plan for 2027–2031 on Thursday in Abuja.
Dingyadi, represented by Dr Kamil Shoretire, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the plan should translate into actionable programmes, realistic targets and measurable performance indicators.
“The true value of a strategic plan lies not merely in its development or inauguration, but in its effective implementation.
“We must look beyond the number of persons trained to consider the number who secure jobs, establish viable enterprises, improve their incomes, and sustain their livelihoods.
“I encourage all stakeholders to sustain their engagement and support for the implementation of this plan so that its objectives can translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.”
The minister urged the NDE to ensure that women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups had equitable access to skills development, entrepreneurship support and sustainable employment opportunities.
Earlier, the Director-General of NDE, Mr Silas Agara, said the 2027–2031 strategic plan provided a roadmap for tackling unemployment, strengthening skills development and expanding sustainable job opportunities across Nigeria.
Agara said the plan would move the directorate from fragmented interventions to a coordinated, evidence-based and results-oriented approach, aligning its programmes with evolving labour market demands.
“The NDE is not merely unveiling a policy document, but setting out a clear strategic direction for the next five years.
“It reaffirms our institutional purpose and strengthens our commitment to creating employment opportunities, developing skills, promoting entrepreneurship and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.
“Our collective resolve is to move from fragmented interventions towards a more coordinated, evidence-based, measurable and results-oriented approach to employment promotion,” he added.
He said implementation would require clear responsibilities, adequate resources, measurable targets and effective monitoring, with the plan integrated into annual work plans, budgets and performance assessment systems.
Agara said the directorate operated 87 Skills Training Centres, alongside Agricultural Training Centres and Common Facility Centres, many of which required rehabilitation, upgrading or complete overhaul to meet current training demands.
He called for sustained government, development partner and private sector support to modernise the facilities, harmonise training curricula and strengthen post-training assistance for beneficiaries seeking jobs or establishing viable enterprises.
Agara commended the governments of Germany and Switzerland, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), GIZ and other stakeholders for supporting the plan’s development, expressing confidence in stronger partnerships and improved employment outcomes.
The ILO Country Director, Ms Vanessa Phala, represented by Mrs Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, Head of Programmes, commended the NDE for developing the strategic plan.
Phala said the plan would strengthen employment promotion, decent work and livelihood development while improving the responsiveness and inclusiveness of employment interventions across Nigeria.
She said the plan aligned with the objectives of the National Employment Policy 2025, providing a framework for strengthening institutional capacity and addressing changing labour market demands.
“The result is a plan that is grounded in evidence, shaped by stakeholders’ inputs, and aligned with the evolving realities of Nigeria’s labour market and employment landscape,” she said.
Phala said the strategy’s emphasis on demand-driven skills development, entrepreneurship, enterprise growth and inclusive employment would expand economic opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups.
She identified the proposed modern public employment service, improved labour market information systems and stronger organisational capacity as essential measures for improving services to job seekers, employers and entrepreneurs.
The ILO country director urged stakeholders to clarify institutional responsibilities, align resources and partnerships, and use monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and strengthen accountability.
She reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government and social partners in translating the National Employment Policy and NDE strategic plan into practical improvements in employment opportunities and livelihoods.
