The Senate approved for a second reading a bill that proposes the creation of a National Internship and Unemployment Benefit Scheme on Wednesday.
The approval followed a lead debate by the bill’s sponsor, Afolabi Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), and contributions from other Senators.
Salisu explained that the bill aims to provide part-time employment for unemployed graduates in Nigeria, allowing them to gain work experience and earn stipends while preparing for full-time jobs.
The proposed legislation, he stated, intends to create a database of unemployed Nigerian youths, especially graduates, categorized by their respective fields of study.
It also aims to establish a system to offer part-time work to young people while they continue searching for permanent employment.
He added that the program, once implemented, would provide hope for graduates and enable them to gain experience before they secure full-time positions.
Additionally, Salisu noted that the scheme could help address issues of insecurity and crime that often stem from unemployment.
Although he acknowledged existing agencies such as the National Directorate of Employment and the Industrial Trust Fund, he emphasized that these agencies have not adequately targeted the intended beneficiaries.
He believes that the proposed scheme, with a comprehensive database, will be more efficient in coordinating resources to support the beneficiaries.
Despite general support from many senators, Ahmed Wadada (SDP Nasarawa West) raised concerns that the bill might not be the best approach to tackle unemployment in the country.
He suggested that creating an environment conducive to private sector growth would be more effective in generating jobs, rather than providing benefits for the unemployed.
“If we create conditions favorable enough to have 10 Dangotes, unemployment would drastically reduce. The focus should be on fostering a conducive environment,” he remarked.
Following the approval for a second reading, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who led the session, instructed the Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity to examine the points discussed and report back to the Senate in four weeks for further legislative review.
