The U.N. has created an innovative program called The U.N. Development Programme, or UNDP, in cooperation with Royal Dutch Shell and Nigeria’s Delta State government. It is anticipated that this program will launch in the next few months in the city of Egbokodo in the Niger Delta.

The primary purpose of this new program is to rehabilitate former Nigerian rebels and help to get them reintegrated back into mainstream society. The program’s goals will be accomplished through education and providing successful graduates with solid job opportunities. Previous research studies have indicated that these types of programs will help to alleviate the restlessness among residents that so often leads to violent, unproductive activities.

Many experts believe that the creation of purpose-driven jobs will provide opportunities for younger people who might otherwise be drawn to militant positions. Ultimately, it is hoped that by providing Nigeria’s youth with the tools and education that are necessary to succeed, the overall environment and mindset of Nigerian youth can be turned around into something more positive and productive. Education and legitimate work opportunities are being promoted as things that are within reach of any person who is interested in learning.

Officials who are behind the launching of this program believe that if they provide vocational training to former militants and the unemployed, it will help these individuals to develop a healthy attachment for their new jobs. If these people are able to learn a trade and focus their energies on something positive, such as a job, they will develop a personal stake in the success of various industries throughout their country. This should prompt Nigerian citizens to develop a genuine interest in their jobs, which will in turn lead to an overall more positive mindset throughout the region.

A large area of focus for government officials is the country’s oil industry, which has been consistently losing money every month because of unrest in the Delta. Some experts have estimated that Nigeria currently loses about $1 billion each month because of a lack of production. If refineries can be brought up to full production through the efforts of Nigeria’s workforce, it would drastically help to improve the region’s economic status.

The initial project will only be able to provide training to about 150 trainees at one time. While this will provide a bit of a slower start than many officials would like, it is definitely a step in a positive direction. There are approximately 15,000 Nigerian militants who have accepted an offer of amnesty and who are willing to start a vocational training program as soon as they are able to.

If things progress as planned in Nigeria, the U.N. is planning to expand their pilot program to include Rivers and Bayelsa states. Before this can be realized, however, they must first gain approval from the state government. This initial project is being conducted at an estimated cost of $5 million.