In a bold and ambitious move aimed at tackling the persistent issues of poverty and unemployment across the country, the Nigerian Federal Government has unveiled plans to create two million jobs within the year. The announcement was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in a press conference held in Abuja on January 10, 2025.
Speaking alongside the United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, Yilwatda highlighted the government’s urgent commitment to addressing Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges. These challenges have intensified due to the ongoing insurgency, climate change, and rising internal displacement crises.
“This year, our Ministry has set a target of creating two million jobs,” Yilwatda stated, emphasizing that this initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reduce poverty, especially among the country’s vulnerable groups, including women, children, and those displaced by conflict. “We are working to provide durable solutions for people, helping them to rebuild their livelihoods, and we aim to reduce the number of individuals living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps,” he added.
This job creation effort is just one piece of the government’s comprehensive plan. In the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria will roll out its Humanitarian Response Plan, a nationwide initiative to assess the country’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. “On January 23, we will launch the NEEDS Assessment, which will identify and address the humanitarian issues across the country,” Yilwatda explained. “By working together with the UN and our partners, we will raise funds to support this vital initiative.”
Alongside the job creation plan, the Nigerian government is committed to facilitating the successful reintegration of people displaced by conflict into host communities. Professor Yilwatda noted that providing means of livelihood within host communities will help avoid social tensions and ease the transition for displaced individuals, thus fostering peace and stability in these regions.
“We cannot simply leave the host communities to fend for themselves. They too are suffering from poverty, and it’s crucial that we empower them as they host displaced populations,” Yilwatda remarked. “This complex situation requires time, resources, and a concerted effort to address the deep-seated issues of poverty and displacement.”
The Federal Government is also partnering with Indonesia, a country with extensive experience in dealing with humanitarian challenges, to exchange ideas and resources. “We are learning from Indonesia’s success in managing humanitarian crises, and together, we hope to scale our programs to reach even more Nigerians in need,” Yilwatda said.
The UN’s role in these efforts is crucial. Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, echoed the importance of the collaboration, stating that Nigeria’s efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment were in line with the UN’s global humanitarian goals. “Nigeria has always been a key partner for the UN. The country is grappling with complex socio-economic challenges, including climate-induced displacement and conflict. It is critical that we work together to create durable solutions,” she said.
Mohammed acknowledged the significance of the durable solutions that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is working towards, particularly regarding the reintegration of displaced persons and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. “The job creation target of two million is an essential part of that process,” she added.
However, both Yilwatda and Mohammed acknowledged the enormity of the challenges that lie ahead. The humanitarian crisis in Nigeria is deepened by a combination of internal displacement caused by insurgency, climate change, and economic upheaval. According to Mohammed, the country’s vulnerability to climate-induced crises, including flooding and extreme heat, requires significant investments in resilience-building measures. “Climate change is introducing new layers of complexity into Nigeria’s challenges, and we must ensure that our approach is multifaceted, addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of the population,” she said.
While the job creation plan is a crucial aspect of the government’s response, Yilwatda noted that it must be accompanied by broader economic reforms. “The humanitarian crisis is not only about immediate relief; we must focus on creating an environment where people can thrive. This requires long-term investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and health,” he said.
The UN has pledged its support to Nigeria’s efforts, with various UN agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), offering technical expertise and funding. Mohammed also highlighted the importance of local partnerships and ownership, stating, “Nigeria is taking ownership of its own solutions, which is critical. Our role is to support and scale these solutions to ensure that every Nigerian has the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
As the country faces these immense challenges, the government’s initiative to create two million jobs provides a glimmer of hope for the millions struggling with unemployment and poverty. The comprehensive plan aims to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term socio-economic issues. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is also focusing on women, youth, and vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the recovery process.
However, Yilwatda admitted that achieving these ambitious targets would not be without its difficulties. “The challenge is enormous. The resources required far exceed what we have right now, and the crises are growing faster than the investments being made to address them. But we must remain hopeful and continue to work towards long-term, sustainable solutions,” he said.
The Ministry’s commitment to collaboration with international partners, local governments, and civil society organizations underscores the scale and ambition of the proposed solutions. Yilwatda concluded, “This is not just about creating jobs; it’s about creating hope, stability, and a brighter future for millions of Nigerians who have been left behind for far too long.”
