Lagos hosted a high-level stakeholders’ forum focused on addressing Nigeria’s unemployment and underemployment challenges through strategic workforce development initiatives.
The meeting, held on Friday, May 15, 2026, was convened under the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.
The gathering brought together Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, Mr. Akubo Adegbe; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); and key stakeholders from the private sector and development community.
The NJFP 2.0 Employers’ Forum sought to secure renewed commitments towards strengthening Nigeria’s workforce pipeline and expanding employment opportunities for young people.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a Federal Government initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the UNDP.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, said the administration remained committed to creating employment opportunities for young people and deepening collaboration with the private sector.
“I commend the European Union for its sustained funding and commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation. I equally commend UNDP Nigeria for the excellence of its implementation and applaud every employer represented at this forum,” she said.
“Your presence here is not ceremonial; it is an act of patriotism. By hosting fellows, offering mentorship, and opening your organisations to Nigerian graduates, you are making a direct investment in the human capital that will shape the nation’s future,” she added.
The Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Inga Stefanowicz, reaffirmed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s workforce development agenda.
“The European Union is proud to support initiatives such as the NJFP that deliver tangible results for young people and businesses alike,” she said.
“By equipping graduates with relevant skills and connecting them with real workplace opportunities, we are not only addressing unemployment, but also strengthening the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” Stefanowicz added.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, stressed the importance of partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth and workforce transformation.
“The participation of major employers, MSMEs, industry associations, financial institutions, technology firms, manufacturers, agribusinesses, and innovation ecosystem actors at this forum sends a strong signal that workforce transformation is increasingly being recognised as both a shared national responsibility and a shared economic opportunity,” she said.
