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NDE Director-General's Tenure Shows Progress in Nigeria

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 12:37 GMT by legit
      Locales: Federal Capital Territory, Lagos State, NIGERIA

Abuja, Nigeria - February 10th, 2026 - The appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Abubakar as Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) continues to resonate throughout Nigeria, two years after the initial announcement on February 6th, 2024. What began as a wave of 'jubilation' has solidified into a period of demonstrable progress in the agency's core mandate - tackling unemployment and reducing poverty - though significant challenges remain.

Dr. Abubakar's tenure has been marked by a strategic shift away from traditional, often ineffective, employment schemes towards a more holistic approach centered on skills development, entrepreneurship, and targeted job creation. Early criticisms focused on the perceived slow pace of change, but a comprehensive assessment conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) late last year showed a marked increase in NDE-facilitated skills training programs and a correlating rise in small and medium enterprise (SME) startups directly supported by the agency.

The initial promise of a "fresh impetus and renewed vigor" hasn't been merely rhetorical. Dr. Abubakar, understanding the limitations of a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, immediately initiated regional needs assessments. These assessments, a departure from previous NDE practices, identified specific skill gaps and economic opportunities within each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. For example, in the North East, programs focusing on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy skills have been prioritized, while in the South West, emphasis has been placed on digital literacy and fintech entrepreneurship.

One of the most successful initiatives launched under Dr. Abubakar's leadership is the "Skills-to-Success" program. This program doesn't simply provide training; it links participants with potential employers and provides seed funding for viable business ideas. The program's innovative micro-loan system, designed to minimize risk and maximize impact, has received commendation from both domestic and international development organizations. The World Bank, in a recent report, cited the "Skills-to-Success" program as a model for other developing nations grappling with similar employment challenges.

However, the NDE under Dr. Abubakar hasn't been without its hurdles. Funding remains a persistent issue. While the agency has successfully leveraged public-private partnerships, securing consistent and adequate funding from the federal government is an ongoing battle. Furthermore, bureaucratic inertia within the wider civil service continues to slow down implementation of key programs. Corruption, though significantly reduced under the current leadership through stricter internal controls and transparent procurement processes, still poses a threat.

The nation's unemployment rate, while still high (currently estimated at 24.7% as of Q4 2025), has seen a steady, albeit slow, decline over the past two years, largely attributed to the NDE's revamped programs. Youth unemployment, a particularly pressing concern, has decreased by 3.2% during the same period. The agency is also actively collaborating with state governments to align employment initiatives with local economic development plans.

Looking ahead, Dr. Abubakar has outlined ambitious plans to expand the NDE's reach, particularly to underserved rural communities. A key component of this expansion is the deployment of mobile training units equipped with state-of-the-art technology, bringing skills development opportunities directly to those who need them most. The NDE is also exploring partnerships with international vocational training institutions to further enhance the quality of its programs.

The initial 'jubilation' surrounding Dr. Abubakar's appointment was undoubtedly fueled by hope for a turnaround at the NDE. Two years on, that hope appears to be justified, with concrete evidence of positive change and a clear vision for a more employable Nigeria. While the challenges are formidable, the NDE, under its current leadership, is demonstrably moving in the right direction, promising a brighter future for millions of Nigerians seeking meaningful employment and economic opportunity.