Stakeholders in Nigeria’s business sector have urged the Federal Government to create a more enabling environment for enterprise, saying this is crucial for private-sector growth, job creation, and the reduction of unemployment nationwide.
They made the call on Wednesday in Lagos while reacting to the recent inauguration of the National Job Centre Project — a nationwide initiative designed to connect trained Nigerians with decent employment opportunities under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The project seeks to strengthen the nation’s labour market infrastructure and promote inclusive, transformative job creation.
A former Director of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr. Nerus Ekezie, said the government must introduce investment-friendly policies to support domestic manufacturing and services.
“When such policies are in place, more private-sector investments will emerge, creating job opportunities for the people,” he said.
Mr. Ekezie, however, expressed concern that government efforts to tackle unemployment often remain more theoretical than practical, noting that existing agencies such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) already have similar mandates.
He advised the government to prioritise vocational education as a sustainable response to Nigeria’s economic and social challenges. According to him, decentralising vocational institutions and expanding access to digital, artificial intelligence, and construction skills training would make young Nigerians more self-reliant and productive.
Also speaking, the Founder of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sunny Nwosu, urged the government to make substantial investments in agriculture and its value chain.
“The sector holds immense potential for job creation and inclusive growth,” Mr. Nwosu said, adding that increased funding would help absorb the growing number of unemployed youths across the country.
Both stakeholders agreed that while the National Job Centre Project represents a positive step, only sustained private-sector expansion and consistent policy implementation will deliver lasting solutions to Nigeria’s unemployment crisis.
