The Federal Government has launched the third phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, with plans to provide vocational, digital, agricultural and entrepreneurial training to 26,961 unemployed Nigerians as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and expand skills development nationwide.
The programme, coordinated by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), will offer training across 70 demand-driven skill areas covering agriculture, information technology, entrepreneurship, public works, technical education and vocational trades.
Speaking at the official launch, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari, said the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to equipping Nigerians—particularly young people—with practical skills needed to secure employment or establish businesses.
He noted that global labour markets are evolving rapidly due to technological innovation, digitalisation, climate change, demographic shifts and broader economic changes, making continuous skills development increasingly important.
According to the minister, Nigeria must prepare its workforce for emerging industries by prioritising training in areas such as digital technology, innovation, agribusiness, renewable energy, green jobs and entrepreneurship.
Maigari also commended the NDE for strengthening its digital infrastructure, expanding ICT-focused training, improving training centres and supporting beneficiaries with post-training business tools in several states.
He said these improvements would enhance transparency, accountability and the overall impact of government employment programmes.
The minister further urged the agency to build on lessons from earlier phases by strengthening monitoring systems, extending training periods where necessary, improving beneficiary verification and expanding access to digital skills programmes.
Addressing concerns over delays in beneficiary payments under previous phases, Maigari acknowledged that some participants—particularly those from the second phase—had yet to receive their entitlements.
He assured affected beneficiaries that the Federal Government would work with the NDE to ensure all outstanding payments are settled.
NDE to Open Registration Portal
Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara, announced that the agency would soon open its online registration portal for fresh applicants seeking admission into the third phase of the programme.
He said the NDE had fully digitised its application and selection processes to promote fairness, transparency and accountability.
Agara also revealed that the agency, in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has developed a five-year strategic plan to guide its employment creation programmes.
As part of the current phase, he said 3,405 outstanding graduate trainees would receive starter packs and work tools after completing their training to help them establish sustainable businesses.
Increased Monthly Stipends
The NDE also announced an increase in stipends for programme participants.
Under the revised structure, trainees will receive a monthly allowance of ₦25,000, up from the previous ₦10,000, while graduate trainees will earn ₦50,000 monthly throughout the duration of the programme.
Agara disclosed that the first and second phases of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative had already trained 32,886 and 33,692 Nigerians respectively.
Government Agencies Pledge Support
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, pledged the agency’s support for the initiative, urging the NDE to ensure participants develop strong work ethics and positive attitudes alongside technical skills.
Similarly, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M. Ali, said the organisation would leverage its nationwide media network to promote awareness of the employment programme and encourage eligible Nigerians to participate.
