Support - Pillars for the Young and Vulnerable: Revisiting the Role of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) In Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

With a youth population index towering above those of other countries in the African, sub-region, Nigeria faces significant challenges in youth unemployment and is aptly described as the youngest country in Africa, with 70% of its population (approximately 151 million) individuals, being youth and 60% under the age of 25. This demographic structure necessitates urgent and efficient strategies. The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was established as a cornerstone to address youth unemployment and foster economic stability. However, the landscape of youth employment remains predominantly informal and unstructured with a staggering 92.7% of young Nigerians engaged in informal work and 13.7% entirely unemployed. This article revisits the role of the NDE, examining its strategies, programs and impact on youth employment. It highlights the organizations effort at providing vocational training, entrepreneurial development, and job placement services. By analyzing the efficiency of these initiatives, the article aims to identify both successes and areas needing improvement through qualitative and quantitative data, including employment statistics and program outline, the study evaluates how effectively the NDE is bridging the gap between the growing youth population and sustainable employment opportunities. The findings suggests that while the NDE has made significant strides, there are substantial hurdles to overcome, particularly the scaling up successful programs and training widespread access to resources and training.