During the official launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) in Abuja, Vice President Alhaji Kashim Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to building a Nigeria where every worker can achieve their full potential, a commitment echoed in Tinubu’s Independence Day speech on October 1, 2024, where he announced the upcoming launch of LEEP as a comprehensive initiative by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to create 2.5 million jobs annually, both directly and indirectly, while ensuring workers’ welfare and safety nationwide. Speaking at the State House on Tuesday, Alhaji Shettima emphasized the importance of reskilling and upskilling Nigerians to enable them maximize opportunities for both current and future jobs, particularly in a world where technological disruption is fast changing the nature of work. He described LEEP as a transformative program that not only creates jobs but strengthens the entire workforce, especially the Gig economy.

LEEP, the new national initiative is aimed at creating more employment opportunities, equipping Nigerians with critical high in-demand skills, promote innovation and technology to ultimately drive economic empowerment. Similarly, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also pledged the full support of state governors toward the successful implementation of LEEP. The Vice President hailed the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for their innovative efforts dedication that birthed the initiative, further calling for collaboration from the private sector, civil society, trade unions, and international partners to ensure the program’s success. Shettima concluded by expressing optimism that through collaborative effort, Nigeria’s workforce would become globally competitive, marking a new turn for the Nigeria’s economy.