In a recent interview, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), emphasized the need for a strategic shift in Nigeria’s approach to job creation and economic development. Okugbawa advocates for a stronger focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and private sector partnerships as critical pathways to addressing youth unemployment and driving economic growth.
Skills Development as a Solution
Okugbawa argues that enhancing skills development through TVET is essential for improving youth employment prospects. He believes that technical and vocational training can equip young people with the skills needed to either become employers themselves or fill crucial roles within various industries. He calls on federal, state, and local governments to prioritize this approach to better align with the needs of the labor market.
Insights from the ILO Report
Reflecting on the recent International Labour Organization (ILO) report, Okugbawa notes a global decline in youth unemployment rates, yet highlights persistent regional and gender disparities. The report points to a 13% global youth unemployment rate in 2023, a decrease from previous years but still significant. It also emphasizes the higher NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rates among young women compared to young men.
Okugbawa relates these global trends to Nigeria, noting that despite economic recovery, many Nigerian youths, particularly young women, continue to face challenges in securing decent jobs. He stresses that addressing these issues requires a focus on creating opportunities for all young people, including those from marginalized backgrounds.
Recommendations for Government
To address Nigeria’s national economic challenges, Okugbawa recommends:
- Job-Led Growth: The government should shift towards a job-led growth model rather than jobless growth. This involves fostering partnerships with the private sector to create sustainable employment opportunities.
- Decentralization and Private Sector Collaboration: Okugbawa advocates for economic decentralization and strategic partnerships with private enterprises to drive job creation and economic development.
- Effective Legislation and Legal Institutions: He underscores the importance of fair legislation and strong legal institutions to ensure property rights, enforce contracts, and protect against crime. These elements are crucial for a functioning and equitable economy.
Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies
In the short run, Okugbawa suggests that extending international labor standards to both formal and informal sectors can help reduce poverty and integrate more workers into the formal economy. Long-term, a focus on fair labor practices and vocational training will be vital for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
Okugbawa’s perspective underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to economic development, one that integrates skills development, private sector involvement, and robust legal frameworks to foster a more inclusive and dynamic labor market.
News Editor 
Hyelsinta Hassan