President Bola Tinubu has introduced the National Talent Export Programme, aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and generating one million in-demand jobs nationwide over five years.
The launch took place during the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, representing President Tinubu.
This initiative seeks to position Nigeria as a talent outsourcing hub in Africa, following the examples set by India, Bangladesh, Mexico, and The Philippines.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite highlighted that the National Talent Export Programme will play a crucial role in making Nigeria a global leader in service exports, talent sourcing, and talent exports. It will specifically address the unique challenges of the talent and service export industry.
The program will focus on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable growth through trade in services. The Minister emphasized that NATEP aims to create one million in-demand jobs across Nigeria within five years.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, pledged his ministry’s collaboration and support for NATEP. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, welcomed the initiative as timely and expressed readiness for collaboration.
During a panel discussion at the event, key figures discussed the program’s objectives and potential impact. The launch event concluded with the unveiling of the NATEP logo, signifying Nigeria’s readiness to become a global hub for talent exports.
Prominent figures in attendance included Saadia Zahidi (World Economic Forum), John G. Coumantaros (US-Nigeria Business Council), Dr. Floriezelle Liser (Corporate Council on Africa), and various industry experts and government officials from Nigeria and abroad.
