Nigeria, Mastercard Foundation to launch youth jobs hub
Nigeria will create a national jobs database, with support from the Mastercard Foundation, to track workers across all 36 states and the capital territory. Labor Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha announced the partnership on Tuesday after speaking at a foundation meeting in Lagos. The system will identify qualified people and connect them with employers while bringing retired workers into development programs.
The government plans to establish employment centers in 774 local areas to register job seekers and coordinate training programs. Officials want private companies to help create opportunities at the community level as part of a plan to generate 2.5 million positions each year. Foundation director Rosy Fynn said her organization aims to create 10 million jobs for young Nigerians by 2030 through the Young Africa Works strategy.
John Kamara from the AI Centre of Excellence warned that artificial intelligence is changing work requirements faster than educational systems can respond. He told officials to update training programs and add digital skills to national plans. The technology expert said proper policies and funding could turn the country’s large youth population into an economic advantage.
