THE Federal Government plans to create 21 million full-time jobs by investing heavily in social infrastructure and services, according to Prince Clem Agba, Minister of State for Finance, Budget, and National Planning.
According to him, one of the objectives of the current National Development Plan (2021-2025), which aimed to pull 35 million people out of poverty by 2025, was the decision to create 21 million employment.
He made the remarks at a workshop in Abuja on the Harmonization and Finalization of the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Implementation of the Second National Programme of Action.
According to Agba, this will pave the way for the present regime’s pledge to bring 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years.
The minister went on to say that the development plan would ensure that Nigeria’s potential was realized across the board.
He said, “Specifically, the plan aims to generate 21 million full time jobs and lift 35 million people out of poverty by 2025, thus setting the stage for achieving the current administration’s commitment to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.
“It also seeks to, among others; invest massively in social infrastructure and services to alleviate poverty, and enhance capacities to strengthen security and ensure good governance.”
Agba also stated that the ministry was in the process of finalizing the preparation of the Nigeria Agenda 2050, which is the country’s Perspective Development Plan to replace the Nigeria Vision 20:2020, in accordance with its mission and Presidential approval.
“I, therefore, urge other stakeholders, development partners and MDAs to mainstream and harmonise their sectoral plans and country strategies in line with the priorities of government as embedded in the Plan to ensure full implementation,” the minister said.
Gloria Akobundu, the CEO of the Africa Union Development Agency’s Peer Review Mechanism (Nigeria), said the country was currently working on its National Programme of Action.
She emphasized that the program’s principal goal was to direct and mobilize Nigeria’s efforts in bringing about necessary changes to strengthen governance and expedite the country’s economic development.
