In an effort to create job opportunities and diversify the Nigerian economy, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new national talent export programme called the National Talent Export Programme. This programme is aimed at creating at least one million jobs within the next five years.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader plan to generate approximately 50 million jobs for the youth and ensure sustainability and prosperity in Nigeria. It was unveiled by the Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, during the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S. The event, titled ‘Positioning Nigeria as a Global Talent Hub,’ was attended by officials from the World Economic Forum and the Microsoft Group.
Speaking at the event, Minister Uzoka-Anite emphasized the significance of NATEP in realizing President Tinubu’s agenda for job creation. She stated, “NATEP is a key national initiative that will serve as a special purpose vehicle to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for service export, talent sourcing, and talent export.”
The national talent export programme aims to leverage Nigeria’s abundant talents and resources, tapping into its potential to become a global player in providing services, sourcing talent, and exporting talent to other countries. By focusing on these areas, the government hopes to create numerous job opportunities and facilitate economic growth.
According to Minister Uzoka-Anite, NATEP will be instrumental in achieving the ambitious target of creating one million jobs across Nigeria within the next five years. By providing a platform for talent export, the programme will contribute to Nigeria’s emergence as a leading global hub for service exports. This will not only attract international clients seeking skilled professionals but also provide opportunities for Nigerian talents to thrive on the global stage.
NATEP will also play a vital role in talent sourcing within Nigeria. By identifying and nurturing talented individuals, the programme will ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals in various industries. This, in turn, will help meet the increasing demand for skilled labor both locally and internationally, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a talent hub.
The Nigerian government, led by President Tinubu as part of the Renewed Hope agenda, is dedicated to diversifying the economy and creating sustainable employment opportunities. One of the key goals is to generate 50 million jobs, with a focus on addressing the needs and challenges faced by the talent and service sector export industry. This aligns with the theme of this year’s UNGA, which centers around rebuilding trust, igniting global solidarity, and accelerating action towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.
According to Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria has a wealth of top talent that can contribute to the global service export and outsourcing business. With over 1.7 million graduates entering the workforce annually from higher educational institutions, Nigeria has a strong pool of skilled individuals.
To fully leverage this potential, Nigeria plans to take advantage of the African continental free trade agreement to explore new markets within Africa. Through initiatives like NATEP (National Association for Talent Export Promotion), which focuses on enhancing competitiveness and driving sustainable growth through trade in services, Nigeria aims to position itself as a leading player in the global marketplace.
In summary, NATEP will serve as an entity that specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by Nigeria’s talent and service export industry. The program will prioritize enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth through trade in services.
The global talent sourcing industry was valued at $620 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $904 billion by 2027, which is worth noting. With a young population and over 1.7 million graduates entering the workforce annually, Nigeria has the potential to offer high-quality talent for the global service export and outsourcing industry,” she emphasized.
In addition, Minister Bosun Tijani of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy stated that Nigeria needs to focus its efforts on intentionally exporting talent in order to gain value for the country. While it may not be possible to prevent citizens from migrating, Nigeria can seize this opportunity.
He also pointed out that talent export can benefit Nigeria because those who leave will ultimately “bring value back to us as well.”
Furthermore, NATEP will focus on exporting Nigerian talent to other countries. This initiative is expected to generate a substantial number of job opportunities for Nigerians while simultaneously showcasing the country’s capabilities and talents to the rest of the world. By exporting its skilled workforce, Nigeria will not only contribute to global talent pools but also enhance its reputation as a reliable and sought-after source of skilled professionals.
