Lagos Joins Forces to Tackle Youth Unemployment

With Nigeria’s unemployment rate at 5.3%, the Lagos State Government is intensifying efforts to tackle youth unemployment by collaborating with corporate organizations and civil society leaders.

At the State Forum on the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, highlighted the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders—including government agencies, businesses, international organizations, and civil society—to develop evidence-based strategies that enhance youth employability and job creation.

GIPP: Bridging the Skills Gap for Graduates

The GIPP initiative is a paid internship program designed to equip graduates with essential skills and workplace experience, preparing them for the competitive job market. Ajigbotafe emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships with recruitment agencies and private sector players to create sustainable employment opportunities. He also underscored the importance of entrepreneurship, skills development, and talent retention in driving economic growth.

With 75 million young people unemployed globally and millions more underemployed, experts recognize that youth employment is one of today’s most critical challenges. Ajigbotafe reiterated the government’s focus on job creation and professional development, ensuring that young professionals receive employability training and structured internships.

How GIPP Works: Training, Certification & Paid Internships

Selected post-NYSC graduates will undergo a three-week intensive employability training, earning globally recognized certifications. Following this, they will be placed in three-month paid internships across various industries, aligning with their academic backgrounds. The Lagos State Government will provide each intern with a monthly stipend of ₦60,000.

Ajigbotafe affirmed that Lagos is dedicated to building a vibrant workforce by investing in skill development, fostering entrepreneurship, and positioning the state as a hub for innovation and economic growth. He called on forward-thinking employers to support the GIPP initiative, ensuring that young talents can gain practical experience, contribute meaningfully to organizations, and drive sustainable development.