By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
The Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, has emphasized the indispensable role of accurate and reliable data in effective development planning and policy formulation.
He made this assertion during a meeting with representatives of the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) at the NDE headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
The meeting marked part of ongoing efforts to forge a strategic partnership aimed at advancing enterprise development.
Agara praised GIZ for their commitment to high standards in construction projects and their dedication to connecting job seekers with essential skills training opportunities.
"Planning is only effective when based on reliable data. Gone are the days of relying on false statistics regarding our youths.
They know what they want to achieve and who they want to become in the next five years," Agara stated.
As part of its youth empowerment drive, the NDE has established job centers equipped with modern technology across its offices nationwide.
These centers aim to enhance access to employment opportunities and skills acquisition programs.
The DG further called for ethical leadership, stating, "Leaders must act with integrity, guided by accountability and a sense of responsibility, ensuring that their actions inspire future generations."
Speaking on behalf of GIZ, Project Coordinator Felix highlighted the organization's commitment to tackling Nigeria's employment challenges.
He applauded the NDE for its central role as the country's primary employment agency and expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential to improve job center development nationwide.
"Our goal is to support Nigeria's employment ecosystem. By partnering with the NDE, we aim to empower job seekers with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed," Felix said.
Meanwhile, Agara and the GIZ representative conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction at the new NDE headquarters in Abuja.
The facility, once completed, is expected to provide a conducive environment for staff to carry out their duties efficiently.
