Over the past decade, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund has created 320,000 jobs across the state. The organisation also trained more than 30,000 youths and saved 173,000 jobs from collapse.
Feyisayo Alayande, the Fund's executive secretary, marked the milestone by reflecting on a core principle. "Access," she said, underlies everything the institution does.
According to her, talent rarely separates successful Lagos entrepreneurs from those struggling. "It is almost always access," Alayande noted, pointing to capital, knowledge, markets, and networks.
Since inception, LSETF has deployed over N15 billion in loans. The fund backed more than 20,000 loans to small and medium enterprises.
Structured training reached over 82,000 small businesses. Through the Lagos Innovates initiative, 1,200 tech startups received support.
The technology wing also developed 3,300 tech talents. Alayande credited entrepreneurs for proving themselves reliable borrowers.
"Our loan repayment rate stands at 94.53 percent," she told reporters. Lagos entrepreneurs, she added, represent opportunity rather than risk.
To combat youth unemployment, the Fund shifted strategy. Officials now prioritize market-aligned skills and corporate partnerships over isolated programmes.
Collaborations with GIZ, UNDP, King's Trust International, Lafarge, and Diageo create direct industry pathways. Vocational training now connects directly to formal employment opportunities.
One woman with disability completed LSETF-Lafarge phone repair training. She went on to establish her own business.
Other graduates secured positions at major firms. LG and the Lagos Intercontinental Hotel hired vocational trainees from joint initiatives.
Lagos Innovates links local tech talent to international markets. A participant from the First Female Founder and Funders Programme later presented at GITEX technology exhibition.
Yet awareness gaps remain a significant hurdle. Many eligible business owners don't know about available credit facilities.
In Alimosho, small-business owners miss out on LSETF support. Youth in Ikorodu remain unaware of free vocational training cohorts.
Tech startups operating in Yaba frequently don't know Lagos Innovates exists. Alayande acknowledged structural awareness remains uneven across the state's vast population.
Despite challenges, the Fund plans expansion. More training cohorts will launch in coming months.
Alayande announced plans for Lagos Employment Summit 4.0 in Q4 2026. The summit will convene government, private sector, development partners, and civil society organisations.
Officials intend to use the platform to set employment agenda. The gathering represents a chance to realign strategies for the next phase.