The Federal Government has expressed confidence that Nigeria has the capacity to become a major force in the global talent economy through strategic investments in skills development, workforce expansion and international partnerships.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, stated this while reflecting on one year of renewed activities under the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP).
In a statement issued by the programme’s National Coordinator, Teju Abisoye, the minister said the changing global economy presents significant opportunities for countries that prioritise human capital development and knowledge-driven industries.
According to Oduwole, competitive advantage in the future will increasingly depend on a nation’s ability to develop skilled talent, strengthen knowledge-based sectors and participate effectively in high-value global services markets.
She noted that Africa is well-positioned to benefit from this global shift, adding that Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to establish itself as a leading supplier of talent and services to the international market.
The minister explained that NATEP is working to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s workforce through stronger international collaborations, institutional reforms and initiatives aimed at connecting Nigerian professionals to global opportunities.
As part of its strategy, the programme has begun developing a financing framework that combines public investment with private-sector funding to support talent development and export-oriented growth.
NATEP also highlighted achievements recorded through the National Coordination Mechanism for Services Exports, approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2025, which has improved cooperation among government agencies and stakeholders involved in services exports.
The programme said the framework has helped align initiatives across institutions such as the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Outsource To Nigeria Initiative and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme.
It further disclosed that the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network was launched in partnership with the World Economic Forum to advance workforce development and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global services sector.
Abisoye said the programme remains committed to positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for global talent, with plans to create one million direct export-linked jobs, attract investment and equip Nigerians with internationally recognised skills and certifications.
Originally launched in 2023 and redesigned in 2025, NATEP aims to leverage opportunities in the global outsourcing industry by preparing Nigerian youths for careers in digital and professional services.