Agreement Signing between UNDP Nigeria and Lagos State Government
Amalachukwu Ibeneme
Abuja, Nigeria, 09, October 2025: Lagos State government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched Phase 3 of the Lagos State Employability Support Project (LSESP), an initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment and strengthen the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The programme, anchored by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), builds on the strong foundation of Phases 1 and 2, which piloted 8 years ago and has so far trained over 8,000 youth, across in-demand vocational, soft skills and entrepreneurship training, with 20% of the trained youth receiving start-up kits and stipends, the project worked with 29 vocational training centers to integrate job-matching systems that connected over 80% of certified graduates to employers.
The LSESP Phase 3 will further scale these achievements by training 2,000 young people in high-demand sectors such as Creative, Digital, Renewable Energy, Construction, and Manufacturing with about 1,200 MSMEs receiving tailored interventions to improve access to finance, renewable energy, digital tools, and market opportunities, including linkages to Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) regional trade.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative highlighted the importance of the initiative - “Over the past eight years, UNDP has stood firmly with the Lagos State Government in advancing youth empowerment and economic transformation. She further added thatPhase 3 of the Lagos State Employability Support Project represents more than a continuation; it’s a bold step toward shaping a workforce ready for the future. “We are investing in young people not merely as beneficiaries, but as drivers of innovation, productivity, and growth.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, added: " we are fueling an inclusive and sustainable economy where every young person has the chance to thrive.” Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, added: "This programme has already proven its impact on Lagos State. With Phase 3, we are expanding opportunities for our Youth and strengthening our MSMEs as drivers of job creation and innovation in Lagos State.”
The LSESP Phase 3 is a model of innovative public-private partnership, designed to generate systemic impact through skills development, job creation, and enterprise growth. By addressing labor market gaps and MSME constraints, the project will position Lagos state as a leading hub for future-ready workforce development in Nigeria.
For programme enquiries, contact:
Catherine Ibrahim
Programmes Specialist – Inclusive Growth
catherine-onyejeche.ibrahim@undp.org
For media enquiries, contact:
Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg
Public Engagement Outreach and Partnerships Lead