ABUJA JOB FAIR 2019- INFORMATION NOTE

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 I. Background

Nigeria is home to 47% of the total population in West Africa with 195 million inhabitants. The
country witnessed an economic downturn in recent years which resulted in various challenges
among which unemployment is major. Unemployment rate in Q3, 2018 stood at 23.1% while
underemployment and youth unemployment rate remained high at 20.1% and 33.1%
respectively (National Bureau of Statistics).

In view of the foregoing, there is the need for urgent redress within the domestic labour market.
While the country boasts of a vibrant youthful population, viable policies that respond to the
needs and aspirations of young people, stimulate and generate decent job opportunities to
harness their creativity and dynamism towards development are clearly insufficient. As a result
of this and other socio-economic push factors, young Nigerians seek opportunities beyond the
shores of the country. Additionally, Nigeria remains one of the main countries of origin, transit
and destination for migration.

It seems evident that the disconnect between the private sector and institutions of tertiary
education across the country has resulted in outdated study curricula which means job
seekers are not equipped with the set of skills demanded by the private sector. Furthermore,
little efforts are being made to support the matching of companies offering jobs and graduates
from universities and vocational training institutions seeking employment. Against this
background, GIZ Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment,
is organizing the Abuja Job Fair 2019.

II. Objectives of the Abuja Job Fair 2019

The event is set to match more than 1,000 job seekers with at least 100 employers. It will also
provide a platform to discuss and exchange on skills match and employment promotion as a
vehicle for economic growth in Nigeria. To this end, a vital part of the Abuja Job Fair 2019 is
a panel discussion on theme “matching skills and cooperate needs”. It is expected that
seasoned panellists will make significant contributions for consideration of future action to
improve the current status quo in Nigeria. In order to contribute to skills development of the
workforce in Nigeria, GIZ has organized series of trainings in employability and soft skills for
Jobseekers over the last year and continues to do so in the run-up to the job fair to ensure
ideal matches between employers and potential employees.

The Abuja Job Fair 2019 aims at the following specific objectives:
 To provide a platform to bring together employers offering vacant positions with job
seekers that have a matching qualification.
 To provide employers with a pool of trained jobseekers for the labour market.
 To equip jobseekers with labour market essential skills for the corporate industry.
 To provide a networking opportunity for employers and jobseekers.
 To provide an opportunity for on-the-spot assessments & first job interviews.

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III. Expected results

 Job-seekers matched with employers and have found employment.

 Employers identify suitable candidates and fill their vacancies.
 Job-seekers have an expanded network and are aware of the current needs of the
labour market and potential employers.
 Employers gain visibility in combination with promotional and networking benefits.
 Job-seekers have enhanced employability skills (CVs, cover letters, networking skills).

IV. Benefits to employers

 Access to a pool of trained jobseekers.

 Contribution to the reduction of unemployment in Nigeria.
 Opportunity to increase brand awareness and visibility.