Joblessness Fuelling Kidnapping, Militancy – NLC Tells FG
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said unemployment is a major driver of kidnapping, militancy, and other crimes in the country.
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), on Tuesday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, urged the federal and state governments to prioritise the creation of sustainable jobs.
He said, “People that are working will not think of engaging in social vices. If jobs are created, militancy and kidnapping will drop to the barest minimum.”
Ajaero stressed the need for meaningful jobs with decent pay, warning against casual employment that does not cater to workers’ needs.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who launched the LEEP initiative, said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to building a future where Nigerian workers can thrive.
“LEEP is a national initiative designed to equip Nigerians with critical skills and expand employment opportunities through innovation and technology,” Shettima said.
He added that the future of work demands rethinking job structures due to the rise of automation and artificial intelligence.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State pledged governors’ support for the programme, while Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said Nigeria’s rising unemployment was an urgent threat.
She said LEEP would enhance training, upskilling, and job placement, but called for collaboration across sectors for success.
Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi identified economic instability and poor-quality education as key factors behind unemployment.
Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Silas Agara, said the programme aims to create 2.5 million jobs within two years.
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