How to Apply for the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP)

Finding decent work in Nigeria has never been just about searching harder. For many people, the real challenge is access — access to information, access to training, and access to employers who are genuinely hiring. This is the gap the Federal Government is now trying to close with the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP).

Recently, the application portal for LEEP was opened nationwide, marking a fresh attempt to organise job creation, skills development, and employment opportunities under one clear framework. For job seekers, artisans, young graduates, and even employers, this programme could quietly become one of the most practical labour initiatives in recent years.

What LEEP Is Really About

LEEP is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and sits within the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. But beyond policy language, its real purpose is simple: to make it easier for Nigerians to find work, build relevant skills, or create sustainable livelihoods.

Rather than operating as a single short-term scheme, LEEP brings together multiple employment-focused efforts on one platform. The idea is coordination — reducing duplication, aligning skills with real market needs, and creating a clearer pathway from training to income.

From experience following labour programmes over the years, this approach matters. Many past initiatives struggled not because people were unwilling to work, but because systems were fragmented. LEEP attempts to fix that structural problem.

How the Programme Works in Practice

LEEP runs through several connected pathways. At the centre is the LEEP Job Portal, which allows job seekers to create profiles and connect directly with employers looking for verified talent. Alongside this is the LEEP Digital Academy, designed to equip participants with skills that are increasingly demanded in today’s economy.

There are also plans for upgraded learning spaces, vocational and entrepreneurship support, digital work preparation, and periodic job fairs across different parts of the country. Together, these pieces are meant to support both formal employment and self-employment, recognising that Nigeria’s workforce is diverse.

If you want to start immediately, you can apply now via the official portal:
https://jobs.leep.gov.ng/register

Who Can Apply for LEEP

LEEP is open to Nigerian citizens who are seeking employment or skills development. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to register on the jobs portal. The programme places special focus on young people, women, artisans, informal sector workers, and individuals in underserved or rural communities.

Importantly, employers are also encouraged to register. This two-sided approach helps ensure that job matching is not one-directional but responsive to actual labour demand.

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How to Apply and What to Expect

Application is done entirely online. After creating an account, applicants provide basic personal information, education background, and details about their skills or work experience. Once registered, users can log in to update their profiles, explore available opportunities, and receive programme-related notifications.

There is no fixed closing date at the moment, as LEEP is designed to operate in phases. That flexibility suggests the programme is intended to grow over time rather than end abruptly.

You can begin your application here:
Apply now on the LEEP portal:https://jobs.leep.gov.ng/register

What People Usually Want to Know

Many Nigerians ask whether LEEP guarantees automatic employment. The honest answer is no. LEEP is not a job promise; it is an access system. It improves visibility, skills readiness, and connections, which significantly increases employability but still requires effort from participants.

Another common question is whether there are fees involved. At the time of writing, registration on the official portal is free, and applicants are advised to avoid third parties claiming to “fast-track” enrolment.

An Expert Perspective

Labour experts have long argued that unemployment in Nigeria is as much an information problem as it is an economic one. By centralising opportunities and aligning training with employer needs, LEEP addresses a core weakness in the labour ecosystem. Its long-term impact will depend on consistent implementation and transparency, but the structure itself is a step in the right direction.

One Practical Takeaway

If you are currently unemployed or underemployed, don’t wait for a perfect opportunity. Create your LEEP profile early, keep it updated, and treat it as a living record of your skills and growth. Opportunities often favour those who are visible and prepared.

For official registration and updates, visit the LEEP portal:
https://jobs.leep.gov.ng/register