Despite thousands of job openings in Lagos, a widening skills gap is keeping many jobseekers unemployed, threatening economic growth and business expansion.
While Nigeria’s commercial hub sees an average of 2,837 job vacancies monthly, a large portion of jobseekers lack the necessary education and experience, leaving employers struggling to find qualified talent.
The Lagos Economic Development Update (2025) reveals that 26% of jobseekers lack both formal education and work experience, reducing the pool of employable candidates and increasing reliance on government welfare programs.
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This skills mismatch is slowing business productivity, fueling the informal economy, and driving talent away from Lagos in search of better opportunities.
Recognizing the urgency, the Lagos State Government is implementing targeted interventions such as the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Program (LEEP) and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
These efforts, combined with private sector partnerships, aim to equip jobseekers with industry-relevant skills in technology, manufacturing, and services.
Experts emphasize that bridging the gap requires not only government efforts but also deeper collaboration with businesses and educational institutions.
If Lagos successfully aligns its workforce with industry demands, it stands to unlock massive economic potential and secure a more prosperous future for its growing labor force.
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