Overview

The National Employment Policy 2017 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a comprehensive policy document aimed at addressing rising unemployment and underemployment through specific objectives, measures, strategies, and an institutional framework. The policy emphasizes active cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and reviews previous employment missions from 1980-1986 and 1996. It outlines the historical development of the policy, starting from the 1995 invitation to ILO, through the 1998 national workshop, to the approval in 2002. Recognizing the policy's obsolescence due to unanticipated developments in the labour market, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with ILO support, initiated a review in 2013. Two diagnostic studies were conducted: an employment mapping and institutional assessment, and a review of macro and sector policies to identify binding constraints to inclusive and job-rich growth. Consultants Prof. Chijioke J. Evoh and Dr. Ugochukwu O. Agu led the review, consulting various stakeholders including government MDAs, private sector, employer groups, youth, academics, and trade unions. The policy was validated by stakeholders on 27th October 2016 and finalized by a five-man Technical Committee. The policy focuses on accelerating employment generation, reducing unemployment, and achieving full, productive, and freely chosen employment.

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