FG announces applications for new job scheme, targets 20,000 Nigerians

The Federal Government has opened applications for the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), an initiative aimed at generating 20,000 jobs every year.

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, announced the development on Thursday through a post on his official X handle.

“In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to create jobs and empower young Nigerians, the Federal Government has flagged off the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, targeting the creation of 20,000 jobs annually,” Olusegun stated.

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the Project Steering Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday ahead of the programme’s official rollout, reaffirming the administration’s focus on youth empowerment, employment generation, and inclusive economic growth.

“The Nigerian government has concluded plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians,” Shettima said during his address at the launch ceremony.

He explained that the new phase of the NJFP would be implemented in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative is designed to connect talented young graduates with practical work experience, training, and mentorship.

Speaking further, the Vice President noted that the revamped programme targets 20,000 jobs annually.

“It is implemented in partnership with UNDP and funded by the European Union. Over 14,000 young Nigerians have benefited from the first phase’s 12-month paid fellowships,” Shettima added.

The programme aims to ease the transition from education to employment by providing fellows with real-world placements, training, and mentoring opportunities.

According to Shettima, the government intends to deploy 24,000 fellows within the next 10 months across vital sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

The initiative seeks to tackle unemployment by linking high-performing graduates with host organizations nationwide, enabling them to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and strengthen Nigeria’s future workforce.

Through data-driven talent development, the NJFP is positioned to align graduate skills with labour market demands, support employers, and foster a sustainable youth employability ecosystem.

The Tinubu administration has consistently emphasized its commitment to reducing poverty through job creation and economic empowerment.

Interested applicants have been advised to submit their applications via the official website, www.njfp.ng.