Speaking ahead of the programme’s official launch on October 22 in Abuja, Shettima emphasized its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on job creation, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.

Shettima inaugurated the Project Steering Committee, tasking it with ensuring inclusivity and delivering tangible outcomes to uplift Nigerian youth. 

The NJFP, a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU), was first launched in 2022 to bridge the gap between education and employment. 

Since then, over 14,000 young Nigerians have completed its 12-month paid fellowships.“This phase is a strategic push to harness Nigeria’s youth as a catalyst for economic growth,” Shettima said, stressing the need for robust collaboration with development partners. 

Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, noted that NJFP 2.0 has been revamped to address current economic realities, with plans to deploy 24,000 fellows over the next 10 months through job placements and entrepreneurship training in sectors like agriculture, digital technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and creative industries.

EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot and UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah praised NJFP 2.0 as a model for youth empowerment, reaffirming their commitment to Nigeria’s sustainable employment goals. 

The programme’s success, they noted, reflects the power of government-partner synergy in driving innovation and opportunity.