By Ugwu Ijeoma, Ndubuisi Daberechi, Ugoji Chinwendu and Ozoagu Chimkama

When Hon. Dr. Felix Nnamani assumed office as the Enugu State Commissioner for Labour and Employment, he inherited a critical mandate: to transform the state’s human capital and bridge the unemployment gap. One year on the saddle, Nnamani has systematically turned that mandate into actionable policy.

From pioneering the Enugu State Employment Action Plan to executing massive job initiatives like the recruitment of 10,000 smart teachers, his administration is fundamentally restructuring how the state approaches workforce dignity and youth inclusion.

In this exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor, the Commissioner opens up about his first 365 days of aggressive labour reforms, the mechanics of sustainable job creation, and his blueprint for turning Enugu into the economic hub of the South-East

The journey so far

There is no resting here. I was serving in the Ministry of Water Resources, and then by August of last year, I was redeployed to serve in the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Because we didn’t start early in 2023, it was kind of challenging. Every ministry at the state level has an interface with the Federal Ministry, which is the parent body. You can actually do a lot of things independently, but it must be in line with federal policy.

Policy Domestication and the Employment Council

The Employment Policy of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), but it has not been domesticated. Just last month, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment—the Minister himself, the International Labour Organization (ILO), GIZ (German Development Association), and the Labour Unions (NLC and TUC)—came to Enugu. Enugu was selected as one of the pilot states to domesticate the employment policy.

To domesticate that in Enugu, we started with a two-day engagement with stakeholders to review the action plan called SEAP (State Employment Action Plan). We looked at it together in collaboration with all Commissioners in Enugu. The Governor directed that all Commissioners, heads of MDAs, and Agencies must attend. We ended up constituting what we call the Employment Council. Part of our achievement this year is that there is now an Employment Council in Enugu State, comprising all relevant employment-generating agencies and ministries.

Cross-sectoral Job Creation

In the past, individual ministries worked in isolation. Take the Ministry of Education: I represented His Excellency today at a function where about over 2000 trained smart teachers were inducted to man the Smart Green Schools. Over 10,000 were recruited last year, and this second phase brought in more than 2000 this year. That is a programme by His Excellency to ensure clean jobs are generated in education across the Smart Green Schools scattered in all 260 electoral wards.

In the transport sector: from the ultra-modern bus terminals, the introduction of CNG buses, Enugu Air, and the concessioned international wing of the airport, clean jobs are continuously being create by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah.

It goes the same for the health sector with the 260 Type-2 health centers, continuous recruitment and deployment of medical personnel, and the upcoming international hospital. These are huge employment opportunities created by the Governor, but previously there was no synergy or central coordination.

Centralized Job Database and TVET Reform

Even in Science and Technology—with the Tech Festival held three times now, the digital economy initiatives, the Tech Hub, and MSME support—opportunities are created, but they were scattered. The essence of the Employment Council is to bring coordination. If the press asks how many decent jobs this administration has created, I can go to a unified database and present exact numbers instead of isolated figures.

Beyond the formal sector and civil service e-governance upgrades, our focus is also on the informal sector. Education is now compulsory and free from ages 3 to 15 (Kindergarten to JSS 3) with a daily feeding programme in Smart Schools. However, youth in the informal sector who lack skills pose a major concern, as unemployment leaves them exposed to crime and social vices.

It is unimaginable that for building projects in Enugu, people still travel to Western Nigeria or Delta State to hire carpenters, masons, plumbers, or painters. The government wants to train, skill up, and certify youths between 18 and 35. With official certification, they become employable and can be engaged by the Ministry of Works to maintain public infrastructure.

We are shifting technical education (TVET and Government Technical Colleges) away from pure theory toward practical, experiential learning. Our target is to ensure our people—including undergraduates—acquire practical skills. Having parents pay university fees is no longer enough in today’s economy; everyone needs a fallback skill to survive.

Operational Challenges and Data Collection

The challenges are numerous. People mistakenly believe that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is a place to drop off a CV to automatically get a job. Far from it. The Ministry exists to formulate policies, create enabling environments, and build opportunities for engagement.

We opened an online portal for people to submit CVs so the government can interview and recruit candidates on merit from a clean talent pool. However, given the population of unemployed people in Nigeria today, managing that massive influx of applications remains a major operational challenge.

What is the unemployment rate in Enugu?

As of today, I cannot give an exact figure. Gathering accurate data is part of the policy we are currently implementing. Opening the job portal is the first step toward building a comprehensive database of unemployed citizens so we can plan effectively.

Security Upgrades and Strategic Projects

We want to ensure strong visionary leadership continues beyond 2027. Look at security: before May 29, 2023, Okpara Square in front of Government House was barricaded due to severe insecurity. Today, Governor Peter Mbah has transformed security through the Command and Control Center, advanced technology, deployment of drones, and continuous patrols by the Distress Response Squad (DRS). Incident rates like kidnapping have drastically dropped, making routes like the Enugu-Nsukka road safe for students and travelers. Additionally, the Governor established the state’s first DNA Forensics and Investigation Research Center.

Infrastructure, Tourism, and Work Ethic

In tourism, landmark achievements include the rehabilitation of Nike Lake Resort, the restoration of the iconic Presidential Hotel, and ongoing developments for two new five-star international hotels alongside the International Conference Center to host major national events.

On infrastructure, thousands of projects are documented in a public compendium. Entire urban areas like Emene, New Haven Extension, Obioba, and connecting roads to Nsukka have been paved with proper drainage systems, alongside major flyover projects across the state.

The work ethic of this administration is unrivaled. The Governor, Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) are in the office by 7:00 AM daily and frequently work past midnight to treat files and resolve state issues immediately, such as intervening in judiciary workers’ (JUSUN) welfare claims.

Addressing Meritocracy and Inclusivity

Enugu is a land of opportunity, but many young people miss available opportunities due to distractions like social media.

For instance, when Enugu Air was established and international airport concessions were announced, the Chairman of my local government, Dr. Beloved Anike, sponsored over 100 youths to aviation school in Lagos so they would be qualified when positions opened up.

Opportunities exist across healthcare, education, and digital technology, but candidates must actively pursue them with boldness. Higher education is meant to make you confident enough to defend your qualifications and pursue roles directly, rather than waiting passively. Furthermore, Enugu State does not discriminate based on origin; non-indigenes serve in key roles, including Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants. Success depends on what you have to offer.

Framework for Vocational Training

Following the adoption of the State Employment Action Plan (SEAP) and the establishment of the Employment Council, all MDAs are submitting representatives for structured training programmes.

We are partnering with institutions such as the School of Practical Skills at Godfrey Okoye University (supported by the European Union), Ofuobi Academy (CIDJAP, anchored by Monsignor Obiora Ike), and GIZ. Once the final framework is approved by the Governor, we will launch public registration for practical training in masonry, POP installation, plumbing, welding, and other

Academia vs. Public Service

The primary difference comes down to passion. Academics is my passion—I love reading, researching, and self-development. Being in government is a call to public duty for the wider society at the state level.

While people address you as “Commissioner,” I am not moved by titles. What matters to me is the ability to touch lives, intervene for people in need, solve community problems, and extend goodwill. However, my heart remains rooted in academia.

So when are you going to return to ESUT?

As soon as His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, permits me to return, I will go back. I still attend university functions, inaugural lectures, and events whenever the Vice-Chancellor invites me. I am still part of the university and obviously i miss the classroom, however, we are still serve the people in different spheres now.

Appreciation to ESUT Monitor

I appreciate ESUT Monitor work you are giving the university global visibility with your daily reportage of activities in the university. Keep up the good work; the flag is flying high, and we remain proud of our alma mater and the state administration.