The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has dismissed reports circulating online that it plans to engage 900,000 youths in skill development programmes through an online portal.
In a statement by Edmund Onwuliri, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at NDE, the agency clarified that the actual target for the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is 93,731 participants, contrary to the 900,000 figure being misreported.
Onwuliri explained that the NDE recently launched an online registration platform to enroll unskilled and unemployed Nigerians as part of the initiative, which aims to provide equitable access to employment opportunities across the country.
The programme, he noted, intends to engage a minimum of 10 participants from each electoral ward in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure fair representation and inclusivity. This structure, according to NDE, promotes balanced participation across various regions and demographic groups.
The NDE also reiterated that its only official registration portals are www.nde.gov.ng and www.nderegistrationportal.ng, cautioning applicants to avoid unauthorized websites to prevent fraud.
The initiative offers training in 30 different skill areas, with special provisions for women and individuals with disabilities, underscoring its commitment to inclusiveness.
Due to the overwhelming response from applicants nationwide, the NDE announced an extension of the registration period by 48 hours, with the final deadline set for midnight on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
The Directorate urged the public to disregard false information and rely on official channels for updates, affirming that the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to reducing unemployment through strategic, inclusive skill development programmes.
