Nigeria Relaunches National Talent Export Programme To Create 1 Million Jobs
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment aims to position Nigeria as a leading exporter of skills in technology, medical and professional services, and creative industries with the relaunch of the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), according to TechPoint.
Positioning Nigeria in the global services economy
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, spoke about the recent move at the Itana Free Zone, stating that the relaunch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision aims to position Nigeria firmly in the global services economy.
“The opportunity is evident. The global services industry is already valued at over $1 trillion and is expanding,” Oduwole said. “Countries worldwide are vying for a share of this market, and Nigeria is uniquely positioned to spearhead Africa’s efforts, with our youthful population, proficiency in English, time zone advantage, and advancing digital capabilities.”
The Director of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, highlighted that recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that over 2.3 million Nigerians were unemployed in 2023, and 133 million people lived below the poverty line in 2022, a figure that appears to have increased.
He added that, although Nigeria is rich in both natural and human resources, the challenge has not been the lack of good policies or initiatives, but rather the shortage of coordination and effective implementation, according to This Day Live.
“The programme’s core pillars – policy support, talent development, infrastructure and innovation, and financial incentives underscore its strategic framework,” he said.
The National Talent Export ProgrammeÂ
The new programme seeks to create one million direct export-linked jobs by 2030, over 4 million additional indirect jobs across related industries, $1 billion in foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s services economy, 4–5 percent annual contribution to national GDP from service exports, and 10 million Nigerians trained in globally demanded skills and certifications.
Partnerships with private-sector innovators, such as Itana, Alaro City, Rendeavour, Sterling Bank, and the Africa Finance Corporation, are necessary to achieve these goals, according to Oduwole.
“NATEP represents more than just numbers. It focuses on integrating Nigeria into the next chapter of global trade — not only through goods but also through skills, services, and digital capabilities,” Oduwole adds.
“It aligns with our efforts to strengthen AfCFTA-aligned remote work corridors throughout Africa, our commercial diplomacy initiatives under the U.S.–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership, and our aim to enhance trade in services with economies in the Gulf states.”
Image: Nappystock
