Ministry inaugurates Apapa skills acquisition centre

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has officially inaugurated the Apapa Skills Acquisition Centre in Lagos, aimed at empowering youths and providing vocational training to equip them with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

The inauguration, which took place on Friday, was attended by top government officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives from the private sector, marking a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to tackling unemployment and poverty.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, expressed the government’s dedication to skill development as a crucial strategy for reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth. He emphasized that the newly inaugurated centre would offer training programs in various sectors such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, electrical installations, and information technology. These programs are designed to provide young Nigerians with practical skills that align with the current needs of the job market.

Lalong noted that the Apapa Skills Acquisition Centre is part of a broader initiative by the federal government to establish skill acquisition centers across the country, particularly in urban areas where unemployment rates are higher. “The government is keenly aware of the challenges facing our youth, especially in cities like Lagos, where job opportunities are scarce. Through this initiative, we aim to empower our young people by providing them with the skills they need to become self-reliant and contribute to the nation’s economy,” Lalong said.

A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Skills Training

The Apapa centre is expected to focus on a wide array of vocational courses tailored to meet the needs of different industries. According to the Ministry, the curriculum will cover trades such as auto mechanics, plumbing, fashion design, and hairdressing, alongside IT-based skills like software development and digital marketing. The goal is to create a diverse skill set that will enable participants to either seek employment or start their own businesses upon completing their training.

The Minister further explained that partnerships with private sector entities and international organizations would play a critical role in ensuring the success of the centre. “We have established strong collaborations with the private sector and development partners to ensure that the training offered here meets international standards and is relevant to the needs of the labor market,” he added. Lalong also highlighted plans to provide financial support and mentorship for trainees interested in starting their own businesses.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has previously emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving the success of skill development initiatives. In this regard, Lalong acknowledged the role of private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have partnered with the Ministry to provide resources, training materials, and job placement opportunities for graduates of the skill centers.

Reducing Youth Unemployment and Poverty

The launch of the Apapa Skills Acquisition Centre comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with high levels of youth unemployment, which currently stands at over 40%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The Ministry believes that skills acquisition is one of the most effective ways to address this issue, as it equips young people with the practical tools they need to secure meaningful employment or start their own businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu, applauded the federal government’s initiative, stating that the Apapa centre will provide much-needed opportunities for youth in Lagos. He stressed that vocational training is key to empowering the younger generation and reducing social vices. “When young people are equipped with the right skills, they are less likely to engage in illegal activities. This centre will not only provide jobs but also promote peace and security in Lagos,” Dawodu said.

The commissioner also announced that the Lagos State government plans to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure the sustainability of the centre by offering additional support in areas such as infrastructure development and the provision of more training programs.

### Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups

In addition to reducing youth unemployment, the Apapa Skills Acquisition Centre will focus on empowering women and marginalized groups. The Ministry emphasized that special provisions would be made to ensure that women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups have access to the training programs offered at the centre. According to Lalong, the government is committed to ensuring inclusivity in all of its programs, and the Apapa centre is no exception.

“Women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups often face greater challenges when it comes to securing employment. By providing them with access to quality vocational training, we are helping to level the playing field and give them a fair chance to succeed,” Lalong stated.

The Ministry also announced that a portion of the training slots at the centre would be reserved for women, and efforts would be made to provide child care and other support services to ensure that women with young children can participate in the programs. Furthermore, the centre will offer flexible training schedules to accommodate individuals who may have other commitments, such as part-time work or family responsibilities.

The Role of Technology in Skills Training

One of the standout features of the Apapa Skills Acquisition Centre is its focus on integrating technology into vocational training. In today’s digital economy, tech-based skills are increasingly in demand, and the Ministry aims to ensure that the training offered at the centre reflects this reality. Participants will have the opportunity to learn computer programming, web development, and other tech-related skills that are essential in today’s job market.

The centre will also make use of digital tools and online platforms to enhance the learning experience. According to Lalong, the Ministry is exploring partnerships with tech companies to provide trainees with access to the latest technology and software. “We are living in a digital age, and it’s important that our youth are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in this environment. The Apapa centre will offer training in both traditional trades and emerging tech fields to ensure that our young people are prepared for the future,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration of the Apapa Skills Acquisition Centre marks a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to address unemployment and poverty in Nigeria. With a strong focus on vocational training, inclusivity, and public-private partnerships, the Ministry of Labour and Employment hopes that the centre will serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.

As the government continues to invest in skill acquisition programs, it is expected that more centres will be established in other parts of Nigeria, creating opportunities for thousands of young people to acquire the skills they need to secure a brighter future.