Launch of the Revised National Employment Policy (NEP) 2025
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has unveiled the Revised National Employment Policy (NEP) 2025, a comprehensive strategy aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s job creation and decent work landscape. This policy is designed to address pressing challenges such as high youth unemployment, underemployment, informality, gender disparities, and regional inequalities. It also seeks to build resilience against future shocks, including those brought on by global trends like automation, climate change, and digital transformation.
The development of this policy was supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) through the Strengthening Employability and Employment Systems in Nigeria (SEESIN) project. Implementation support was provided by the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) Programme of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on behalf of the German Government and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. These partnerships have played a crucial role in shaping a policy that aligns with both national and international labor standards.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth and Decent Work
Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi described the NEP 2025 as a path toward a more inclusive and sustainable labor market. He emphasized that the policy is not just about economic growth but also about social justice, national security, and long-term development. The document reflects a commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty through job creation, youth empowerment, and innovation.
The policy recognizes the evolving nature of the Nigerian economy, particularly the rise of the green, blue, and orange economies, as well as the increasing prevalence of remote work. It provides a strategic framework to support employment opportunities in these emerging sectors while also addressing traditional challenges such as skills mismatch and inadequate public employment services.
Alignment with Global and National Priorities
The NEP 2025 is closely aligned with several key frameworks, including Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025), the ECOWAS Labour and Employment Protocols, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also supports the ILO’s Future of Work Initiative, ensuring that it is both forward-thinking and globally relevant.
According to the minister, the policy serves as a strategic compass for all employment-related initiatives under the administration. It ensures synergy across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and aligns with national priorities. The goal is to ensure that no one—especially the youth, women, and persons with disabilities—is left behind in the drive for national transformation.
Key Components of the NEP 2025
One of the central elements of the NEP 2025 is its focus on measurable outcomes. It introduces specific indicators and timelines to enable evidence-based implementation and monitoring. This approach ensures that the policy is not just a document of good intentions but a roadmap for tangible transformation.
The policy also recognizes remote work as a viable and flexible employment option, especially for individuals facing mobility constraints or caregiving responsibilities. This inclusion reflects a broader effort to make the labor market more accessible and equitable.
Call for Collaboration and Action
The minister urged state governments to domesticate the NEP and align their job creation strategies with its framework. He emphasized that employment is a shared mandate and that state-level action is essential for achieving meaningful results.
To the private sector, he called for collaboration in designing labor market-responsive skills programs, investing in employment-rich sectors, and supporting workplace innovation and formalization. For development partners, continued support is critical in strengthening national capacities, building employment data systems, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the labor market.
Youth and workers’ organizations were also encouraged to engage with the policy, monitor its implementation, and hold authorities accountable. The minister emphasized the need to build ecosystems that support entrepreneurship, stimulate demand for labor, and foster productive partnerships between training institutions and industries.
Role of the ILO in Shaping the Policy
Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, highlighted the importance of the revised NEP in addressing labor market challenges. She noted that the policy aims to improve job quality, reduce unemployment and underemployment, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Phala emphasized the need for national employment policies grounded in empirical research and data-driven analysis. The ILO advocates for an approach that prioritizes social justice, decent work, and tripartite collaboration. This includes fostering social dialogue among employers, workers, and government to ensure that labor standards are upheld and implemented effectively.
Long-Term Impact and Future Outlook
The NEP 2025 outlines measures to enhance vocational training, promote investment in high-potential industries, and support the integration of marginalized groups into the workforce. It also establishes mechanisms for rigorous monitoring and evaluation to track progress in job creation, workforce productivity, and adherence to international labor standards.
By doing so, the policy contributes to Nigeria’s long-term socioeconomic resilience and competitiveness. It represents a significant step forward in transforming the country’s labor market and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.