The Senate passed a bill for second reading on Wednesday. The bill aims to create a National Internship and Unemployment Benefit Scheme.
The bill was discussed by the sponsor, Afolabi Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), and other Senators contributed to the debate.
Salisu stated that the bill is meant to provide part-time jobs for unemployed graduates in Nigeria so they can gain experience and earn stipends before getting full-time jobs.
He explained that the proposed law intends to establish a database of unemployed Nigerian youths, especially graduates, and create a framework for providing part-time jobs while they seek full-time employment.
He believes that the scheme would give hope to graduates and allow them to gain experience before finding full-time jobs.
The lawmaker also pointed out that the scheme could help address insecurity and criminal activities caused by unemployment.
He acknowledged existing agencies such as the National Directorate of Employment and the Industrial Trust Fund, but stressed that they have not sufficiently targeted the beneficiaries.
He thinks that the scheme, with a database, would be more effective in providing interventions to the beneficiaries.
While many lawmakers supported the bill, Ahmed Wadada (SDP Nasarawa West) argued that the bill may not be the right solution to tackle unemployment in the country. He suggested focusing on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and create jobs, rather than just providing benefits for the unemployed.
Wadada emphasized the need to create an enabling environment for the private sector. He believes that by doing so, the unemployment rate could be significantly reduced.
After the second reading, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, instructed the Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity to examine the issues raised and report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action.
The Senate passed a bill for second reading, which seeks to establish a National Internship and Unemployment Benefit Scheme. After the debate led by Afolabi Salisu (APC, Ogun Central) and other Senators' contributions, the bill was passed. Salisu explained that the goal is to offer part-time employment to unemployed graduates in Nigeria.
