In a bold and strategic move to tackle youth unemployment and promote financial independence among Nigerian graduates, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has empowered 531 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with grants of N531,000 each, alongside business starter packs to launch their entrepreneurial journeys.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, forms part of NNPCL’s ongoing youth empowerment programme implemented through its corporate social responsibility arm, the NNPCL Foundation. The empowerment scheme, which marks a significant milestone in public-private sector collaboration for youth development, was executed in partnership with the NYSC, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Kudimata Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roland Ewubare, said the intervention is a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s future” and reflects the company’s enduring values of integrity, excellence, and national development.
“You are exceptional candidates. We are proud to support your journey,” Ojulari remarked, urging the beneficiaries to “use these resources wisely” and build purposeful businesses that can transform their lives and impact their communities.
The Managing Director of NNPCL Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, disclosed that the youth enterprise programme began in August 2023 with a core focus on financial literacy and business readiness. Since inception, over 800,000 corps members have participated in the scheme.
“The training modules covered critical areas such as branding, business funding, feasibility assessments, and long-term sustainability,” Arukwe explained. “The 531 beneficiaries selected today emerged through a competitive selection process that required a minimum score of 70% in assessments.”
She noted that even those not selected for the starter packs and grants have acquired skills to access alternative funding sources like microcredit and small business loans, making the programme a “long-term investment in economic resilience.”
The Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Magaji, represented by Hajiya Amina Fika, congratulated the beneficiaries, encouraging them to formalize their businesses using the CAC’s online platforms. “Your success is a testament to your resilience and creativity. Registering your business formally will open doors to funding and sustainable growth opportunities,” he said.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, hailed the partnership as unprecedented in scope and impact, commending NNPCL for not only providing training but also backing it up with tangible tools for business growth. “Few programmes offer this kind of complete support package,” he noted.
One of the beneficiaries, Ozigi Faith, described the programme as “life-changing,” noting that the grant and starter pack mark the beginning of his financial freedom. “Let us stay focused and make the most of this opportunity,” he told his fellow recipients.
Kathleen Erhimu, founder of Kudimata Nigeria, which handled the training modules, said the empowerment of the 531 corps members reflects a larger vision of building a financially independent generation of youth. “We are not just handing out money; we are nurturing purpose, responsibility, and national transformation,” she said.
NNPC Limited empowers 531 NYSC members with grants of N531,000 each and starter packs for business development.
Youth enterprise initiative implemented through NNPCL Foundation, in partnership with NYSC, CAC, and Kudimata Nigeria.
Over 800,000 corps members trained in financial literacy since August 2023.
Beneficiaries were selected after rigorous training and scored at least 70% in assessments.
CAC encourages recipients to formally register their businesses to access additional funding.
NYSC DG praises initiative as comprehensive and impactful in tackling youth unemployment.
Programme seen as a strategic step toward economic resilience and national development.
This initiative comes at a crucial time when the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria remains a national concern. NNPCL’s approach — combining training, funding, and official business support — is seen as a model for other corporate bodies to follow.
With more collaborations and sustained focus on youth empowerment, Nigeria can hope to reduce dependency, drive innovation, and stimulate the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises led by its energetic youth population.