Data from the National Bureau of Statistics put the total number of unemployed Nigerians at over 21 Million as at the end of June this year. This is partly attributed to the severe blow by the novel Corona Virus Pandemic to nations’ economy across the world. As part of effort to move out stronger from the devastating impact of Covid-19 as well as position its economy that is already in recession, the Nigerian Government has commenced the training of 255 youths to address the alarming rate of unemployment in the country. This move was recently acknowledged by the Minister of State for Industry,Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum while virtually declaring open a training in nine vocational areas in Abuja. She said the Programme which is a collaborative effort between the Industrial Training Fund and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board , showcased the commitment of the federal government towards improving the country’s economy and livelihood. The Director-General, Industrial Training Fund,Joseph Ari said the initiative will go a long way in address unemployment, job creation among others for the overall benefit of Nigeria. The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Simbi Wobote said the six-month programme is designed to develop the technical capability of the trainees in order for the youth to meet global recruitment requirements. It would be recalled that in 2017, ITF in partnership with UNIDO carried out skills gap assessment survey in six priority sectors of the economy which are agro-allied, construction, oil and gas, metal, solid minerals, light manufacturing and services with the objectives to provide information on industrial skills demand, supply and gaps in the country.
