Abstract
This study was designed to explore career related strategies for strengthening poverty
reduction programmes in Nigerian communities. Using a phenomenological framework and
interpretive paradigm, the study used a q ualitative research design. The participants of this study
consisted of five key officers working in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty
Alleviation (FMHAPA) in Nigeria and five counsellors working in Nigerian secondary schools. The
pa rticipants w ere selected through a purposeful sampling process. Data collection measures include
interviews, focus group discussion, and document analys is . All participan ts were interviewed to collect
data, which was analyzed using thematic analysis. To id entify themes and patterns in the responses
provided by the participants, the interviews were recorded and transcribed. In accordance with the
findings of this study, career related strategies for strengthening poverty reduction programmes in
Nigerian comm unities include employability skills development, access to quality education, job
creation and entrepreneurship, supportive networks, social justice and corporate responsibilities, and
appropriate work policy. A major contribution of this study is the ide ntification of career related
strategies to help strengthen poverty reduction programmes in Nigerian communities. Another
contribution is the imp lications that can be drawn for career counselling.