ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — The German government has approved the second phase of a youth skills development project in Nigeria aimed at strengthening vocational training and boosting employment opportunities.
The initiative, supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, focuses on enhancing the role of chambers of commerce in delivering practical training and business support to young Nigerians.
Kristen Albrecht, head of the Competence Centre Africa for the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce, announced the approval during a meeting with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Abuja.
“The second phase will build on the foundation laid in the first phase and help chambers become engines of youth empowerment,” Albrecht said.
The first phase of the project improved the capacities of NACCIMA, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ogun Chamber of Commerce to support member companies and youth training programs.
Germany has also sponsored 18 Nigerian youths to participate in a dual vocational training program in Germany, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, praised the initiative, saying it aligns with the government’s efforts to equip young people with employable skills and reduce unemployment.
“This partnership is a model for how international cooperation can directly impact our youth and economy,” Dingyadi said.
Local business leaders also welcomed the development. “We’ve seen firsthand how vocational training transforms lives,” said Aisha Bello, director of a Lagos-based manufacturing firm. “This project gives young people a real shot at self-reliance.”
International observers noted the broader implications. “Germany’s continued investment in Nigeria’s youth is not just about skills—it’s about stability and long-term economic ties,” said Dr. Lars Neumann, a Berlin-based development economist.
The project is part of Germany’s broader strategy to support youth development and economic growth in Africa through structured partnerships and labor mobility programs.
