The Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, recently hinted to journalists his plans to transition the agency’s operations from analog to digital. Importantly, he noted that digital skills are key to solving the unemployment crisis in today’s world. Hence, NDE’s new path. However, this transition may face the usual challenges associated with government plans and programmes in Nigeria CHRISTIAN APPOLOS, in this report, x-rays the noble idea, factors exacerbating unemployment in Nigeria and digital skills as a way forward.
Essence of digital skills
We will gradually phase out some old skill sets and introduce digitally, inclined skills, Agara said. This vision is actually pivotal to the existence of the NDE, which has, for years, been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s employment strategy, providing vocational training, soft loans, and resettlement support for millions of unemployed Nigerians.
As Nigeria contends with the multifaceted crises of climate change, economic downturn, insecurity, rapid population growth, the role of the NDE is more critical than ever. The worsening effects of climate change: droughts, floods, and reduced agricultural productivity are exacerbating the country’s already high unemployment rate, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods depend on agriculture.
The global shift towards green jobs and the rise of digital economies demand a rapid rethinking of Nigeria’s employment strategies, making the NDE’s transition plan into digital skills training not just timely but essential, and a beacon of hope for thousands of job seekers.
Unemployment, climate change and insecurity in Nigeria
Nigeria’s unemployment crisis is deeply intertwined with various structural issues, many of which are worsened by climate change. Agriculture, a significant source of livelihood in Nigeria, is facing severe disruption from changing climate patterns. Unpredictable rainfall, droughts, floods, and desertification are reducing agricultural productivity, driving millions out of farming and into urban areas in search of non-existent jobs. In this context, the NDE’s long-standing efforts to equip individuals with agro-based skills face new challenges. While these skills remain relevant, especially in rural areas, there is an urgent need to diversify training into digital and green jobs that can provide sustainable livelihoods.
Moreover, the security situation in Nigeria continues to contribute to job losses and exacerbate the unemployment crisis. Regions plagued by insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts have seen businesses shut down, farmlands abandoned, and industries relocating. In many areas, the absence of a secure environment has caused economic paralysis, as people are forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their means of income. This insecurity not only disrupts local economies but also discourages investors from creating new businesses, further limiting job opportunities for the nation’s youth. The NDE’s mission to create employment, therefore, must also consider the security challenges facing many regions and how vocational training can be adapted to provide opportunities even in conflict-prone areas.
Additionally, economic hardship has driven many young Nigerians to seek alternative, often perilous, migration routes out of the country. Irregular migration has been fueled by the desperate search for better opportunities, as more and more youths perceive migration to Europe or other parts of the world as their only escape from unemployment and poverty. The lack of sufficient job opportunities domestically has pushed countless youths to embark on dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean, with devastating consequences. This ongoing trend underscores the importance of creating sustainable and appealing job opportunities within Nigeria to prevent such human capital loss.
The NDE, by transitioning to a more modern and digital approach, has the potential to change this narrative. Through digital skills training and the promotion of technology-driven micro and small-scale enterprises, the agency can help young Nigerians build sustainable futures at home and reduce the allure of irregular migration. Moreover, as climate change continues to shape the global job market, Nigeria, like other countries, needs to prepare its workforce for green jobs, and the NDE’s programs must take a leading role in this transition.
Economic hardships and job losses: The impact on the youth
On the other hand, Nigeria’s economy has been hit hard by various factors, including inflation, currency devaluation, and the exit of many multinational companies. As businesses shrink or close down altogether, the job market continues to tighten. The situation is further complicated by the annual influx of graduates from universities and polytechnics into the labour market. The country’s higher education system churns out thousands of graduates every year, but the economy is unable to absorb them. As a result, the unemployment rate continues to rise and the frustration among the youth intensifies.
The rising unemployment rate also has a gender dimension, with women, particularly young women, facing higher barriers to employment. Despite significant progress in education, women are still disproportionately affected by job losses, especially in sectors where they are overrepresented, such as retail and hospitality. The NDE, which has historically been at the forefront of job creation, must now tailor its programmes to address the unique challenges faced by both young men and women in the workforce.
Also, the rise in youth unemployment, compounded by economic hardships and job losses due to business closures, underscores the critical role the NDE must play in providing viable alternatives. Through its vocational programmes, the NDE has historically provided millions of Nigerians with the skills and loans necessary to establish small-scale enterprises. These enterprises have been lifelines for many, offering self-employment opportunities in a challenging job market. However, the evolving world of work now requires more than traditional vocational skills, it demands a focus on digital literacy and tech-based employment opportunities.
NDE’s strategic role in proffering solutions
The NDE’s move to introduce digital skills training is not just an innovation but a necessity, as it aligns with the global shift toward a digital economy. The labour market’s evolution requires a shift from the conventional skills provided by NDE to more digitally oriented ones. With the world reliant on technology, Nigeria cannot afford to continue equipping its youth with only traditional skills, particularly when the global demand for tech-savvy workers is on the rise. This makes the NDE’s transition to digital skills training especially significant. By providing Nigerian youth with the tools to navigate the digital landscape, the NDE can help bridge the skills gap and prepare the next generation of workers for the future of work.
As Agara noted, “We are migrating from analog to digital to ensure that our programmes are more transparent, accountable, and efficient.” This digital shift is poised to not only streamline the NDE’s operations but also enhance the quality of the training programmes it offers. Under this new approach, over 30,000 of the 90,000 youths to be trained will receive digital skills, positioning them to tap into the growing tech sector both within and outside of Nigeria. These skills will be complemented by efforts to phase out non-viable training sets, thus ensuring that young people are not locked into industries with diminishing returns.
This focus on digital skills is critical in addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis, especially given the nation’s large youth population. The number of young people entering the job market each year is staggering, and without significant interventions, the country risks facing a prolonged unemployment crisis. As Agara stressed, “Technology is taking centre stage now, and we must prepare our youth for the future of work.” By training youth in digitally inclined skills, the NDE can help them tap into new opportunities, particularly in industries such as software development, digital marketing, data analytics, and other emerging fields.
The role of digital skills in economic empowerment
Digital transformation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for nations looking to create competitive workforces. The introduction of digital skills through the NDE’s programmes represents a forward-thinking approach that addresses the structural challenges within Nigeria’s labour market. With a global shift toward remote work, e-commerce, and digital services, the NDE’s focus on equipping young Nigerians with digital competencies is not only timely but essential.
Agara’s plans include the creation of an app designed to connect artisans trained by the NDE with potential clients. This app will allow Nigerians to access services from plumbers, mechanics, landscapers, and other tradesmen and women at the touch of a button, ensuring that they receive services from vetted professionals. “We don’t want our trainees roaming the streets. We want to give them the support they need to practice the skills they’ve acquired,” Agara explained. This platform will also serve as a trust mechanism, allowing clients to feel secure in hiring professionals who have been trained and vetted by the NDE.
In the long term, this app and other digital innovations will contribute to Nigeria’s economic empowerment by making essential services more accessible and boosting the employment prospects of the artisans involved. Importantly, these digital platforms will come at no financial cost to the artisans or clients, underscoring the NDE’s commitment to supporting job creation without adding additional burdens on those seeking employment, Agara added.
Just transition to green jobs
In line with global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainability, the NDE is apparently positioning itself to support the “just transition” to green jobs. Green jobs are employment opportunities that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment, whether in sectors such as energy, agriculture, or technology. As the world pivots towards sustainable practices, Nigeria must prepare its workforce to seize the opportunities that come with green growth. The NDE’s shift towards digital skills can also align with these objectives, equipping young Nigerians to engage in sectors such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental management.
By incorporating green skills into its training programmes, the NDE can help Nigeria meet its climate goals while simultaneously addressing the youth unemployment crisis. This focus on sustainability ensures that young people are prepared for industries that will be central to the future economy, reducing the risk of job losses as traditional industries decline.
Aiming for long-term economic stability
Nigeria’s economic instability has been a significant contributor to unemployment, and addressing this issue requires more than just short-term job creation. The NDE’s focus on equipping young people with the skills necessary for self-employment, entrepreneurship, and participation in emerging industries is a critical step toward achieving long-term economic stability.
As Silas Agara noted, “The over 90,000 jobs we aim to create is a starting point. We are committed to doing more in the coming years.” This commitment highlights the NDE’s recognition that tackling unemployment requires sustained efforts and continuous adaptation to the evolving economic landscape.
The NDE’s recent initiatives, including plans to collaborate with international organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank, show that the agency is committed to adopting global best practices. These collaborations will enable the NDE to access funding, expertise, and strategic partnerships that can enhance the effectiveness of its programs.
The importance of digital skills in addressing youth unemployment
Digital skills have become indispensable in today’s economy. As traditional industries evolve and the global economy increasingly depends on technology, the digital divide becomes a significant barrier to employment. In Nigeria, where a large percentage of the population still lacks access to reliable internet and digital training, the NDE’s efforts to bridge this gap are critical.
By offering digital skills training, the NDE ensures that Nigerian youth can compete in both local and international job markets. Whether it’s in the tech industry, digital marketing, or freelance opportunities that require internet connectivity, these skills open doors to various career paths that were previously inaccessible to many Nigerians.
Furthermore, as Nigeria embraces digital transformation across sectors, having a digitally literate workforce becomes an essential asset for attracting foreign investment. Companies, both local and international, are more likely to invest in regions where the labor force is well-equipped with the skills needed for the modern economy.
The future of work in Nigeria
The National Directorate of Employment’s transition from analog to digital represents a transformative shift that could help address Nigeria’s deep-rooted unemployment issues. By embracing digital skills and preparing young Nigerians for the future of work, the NDE is positioning itself as a critical player in the fight against unemployment. This shift, however, must be sustained through continuous investment, collaboration with international organisations, and an unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency.
In an economy strained by insecurity, climate change, and economic hardship, the NDE’s programs offer a beacon of hope, providing young Nigerians with the tools they need to build prosperous futures. Agara’s vision for the NDE aligns with the broader national goal of economic recovery and job creation under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and its success will be vital in securing a stable future for Nigeria’s youth.
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