Federal Government Expands Poverty Reduction Programme, Targets 1,200 Nigerian Youths
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE) has announced the continued nationwide rollout of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), a Federal Government initiative designed to equip Nigerians with practical skills and create pathways out of poverty.
The programme is part of efforts to achieve the Federal Government’s target of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within 10 years through economic growth, skills development, entrepreneurship and targeted social protection.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Dr. Abiola Arogundade, described the initiative as a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that Nigerian youths should be seen as solutions to the country’s challenges rather than as part of the problem.
Abuja Pilot Records Strong Response
The NPRGS began its pioneer cohort in Abuja on June 30, 2025, with an intensive 10-day training programme in cybersecurity and web development, alongside a solar energy installation upscaling track.
According to Arogundade, the pilot was successful, as participants who initially had doubts about the programme completed the training with practical skills, including the ability to build websites and understand basic digital security.
The graduates were also presented with laptops and certificates of completion.
The Abuja pilot attracted more than 7,000 applications, demonstrating significant interest among young Nigerians in acquiring employable and entrepreneurial skills.
Programme Expands Across Geopolitical Zones
Following the Abuja pilot, the Federal Government is expanding the NPRGS to other parts of the country, with each geopolitical zone hosting 200 trainees for intensive training lasting between 10 days and two weeks.
The training areas are selected based on local market demand, relevance and the interests of participants, with an initial target of 1,200 Nigerian youths nationwide.
In Oyo State, representing the South-West Zone, training is scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026, and will run for two weeks from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Participants will receive training in:
Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Design
Makeup
Fashion Designing
In Enugu State, one of the designated training hubs in the South-East, beneficiaries will be trained in:
Makeup
Solar Energy Installation, including panel installation, maintenance and off-grid solutions
Fashion Designing
In Kebbi State, in the North-West Zone, the training will focus on:
Graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Design
Fashion Designing
Agriculture, particularly yoghurt production, dairy processing, packaging and small-scale agribusiness.
Trainees to Receive Starter Kits
As part of the programme, each participant will receive a complete training kit to support them after completing the programme.
Graphics and AI trainees will receive laptops, while makeup trainees will receive fully equipped makeup kits.
Fashion Designing beneficiaries will receive sewing machines and starter kits, while participants trained in agriculture and yoghurt production will receive fermentation kits.
The initiative is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical and marketable skills, reducing unemployment and underemployment, promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and contributing to the Federal Government’s broader poverty-reduction target.
OSSAP-TVEE also called on state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and private-sector organisations to partner with the Federal Government as the programme expands to more states across the country.
Federal Government Expands Poverty Reduction Programme, Targets 1,200 Nigerian Youths