Tinubu Bets On Skills Training To Fight Insecurity

Amarachi Ihesiulo

October 22, 2026
3 min read
vocational training

President Bola Tinubu’s administration is expanding vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives as part of efforts to tackle insecurity by addressing unemployment, poverty and the economic challenges facing vulnerable Nigerians.

The initiative is designed to equip young people with practical skills, improve their access to employment opportunities and encourage self-reliance, particularly among those at risk of being recruited into criminal activities.

Presidential aides said the government considers economic empowerment an important component of its broader strategy to address insecurity, alongside conventional security operations, intelligence gathering and law enforcement.

According to the administration, expanding access to vocational education and business development opportunities could help reduce the economic vulnerabilities that make some young people susceptible to criminal recruitment.

The programmes are expected to support skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and the creation of sustainable livelihoods, with particular attention to young Nigerians who struggle to secure formal employment.

The government’s approach reflects growing recognition that insecurity cannot be addressed solely through military and police operations without tackling the underlying social and economic conditions that contribute to crime.

In several parts of the country, unemployment, limited economic opportunities and poverty have remained major concerns, particularly among young people seeking stable sources of income.

By strengthening vocational training, the administration hopes to create pathways for beneficiaries to establish small businesses, gain employment or develop the expertise required to participate in productive economic activities.

Entrepreneurship support could also help trained individuals translate their skills into viable businesses, although access to financing, equipment, mentorship and reliable markets will remain important to the success of such interventions.

The initiative comes amid continuing security challenges across parts of Nigeria, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and other criminal activities that have disrupted livelihoods and affected economic development.

Security experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of combining law enforcement with preventive measures that address poverty, exclusion and limited opportunities for young people.

However, the effectiveness of the government’s strategy will depend on how widely the programmes reach vulnerable communities and whether participants can secure meaningful employment after completing their training.

Transparent beneficiary selection, adequate funding, partnerships with private-sector employers and regular monitoring will also be necessary to ensure that the initiative delivers measurable results.

The administration is expected to pursue economic empowerment alongside other interventions aimed at improving security and strengthening livelihoods.

Ultimately, the success of the programme will be measured not only by the number of people trained but also by the jobs created, businesses established and communities made less vulnerable to criminal recruitment.

Amarachi Ihesiulo

Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi is a Nigerian journalist, writer and media professional serving as the Editor-in-Chief of TheTraffic.NG, a digital news platform covering national and international affairs. Her editorial interests span politics, business, aviation, health, technology, entertainment, sports and social development. She is committed to credible journalism, insightful reporting and compelling storytelling that informs public discourse and keeps readers abreast of important developments in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.