The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has announced that Nigeria is collaborating closely with the World Bank to develop a robust job-creation agenda.
Edun made this known while addressing journalists after the World Bank Development Committee plenary held on Friday in Washington, D.C. He said discussions at the meeting focused on strategies to create more jobs and secure a better future for young Nigerians.
He noted that the conversations aimed to chart a clear direction for the World Bank and its governors to agree on a forward-looking development agenda.
Edun highlighted the vital role of multilateral development institutions such as the World Bank in global development, particularly through partnerships with country governments. He emphasised that job creation remains a crucial pathway to securing the future for young people globally.
The minister pointed out that Africa was a central focus of the discussions, stressing that by 2050, the continent is projected to house 25 per cent of the world’s youth population.
He stressed the importance of establishing a stable macroeconomic environment and ensuring financial security as foundations for job creation in Nigeria. He also underscored the need to attract private sector investment to generate quality, homegrown jobs, rather than relying on outsourced employment.
Edun added that the committee’s priorities align with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, which seeks to stabilise the economy and encourage both local and foreign investment.
He explained that the broader strategy includes boosting productivity, expanding the economy, and, most importantly, creating employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
Furthermore, Edun said a key goal was to stem the tide of young Nigerians migrating abroad in search of better job prospects.
“Our objective is to create jobs locally, empower the youth, and support this with critical infrastructure,” he said.
He further stressed the need for strong digital infrastructure, including wider internet access and improved fibre optic networks, to enable young Nigerians to work remotely and remain competitive in the global economy.
