The Nigerian government has recently introduced the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), a strategic initiative aimed at creating one million jobs over the next five years. The launch of the program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to diversify the country’s economy and generate 50 million job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, made the announcement during the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. In her address, she emphasized that NATEP is a significant national initiative intended to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for service exports, talent sourcing, and talent exportation.
Nigeria has a wealth of talent that can be tapped into for the global service export and outsourcing business. With over 1.7 million graduates entering the workforce annually from higher education institutions, the country has the potential to provide high-quality talent to meet global demands.
NATEP aims to address the unique needs and challenges faced by the talent and service sector export industry. The program will focus on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth through trade in services. It is worth noting that the global talent sourcing industry was valued at $620 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $904 billion by 2027.
To ensure the success of the talent export program, Nigeria intends to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACfTA). By penetrating the African market and targeting job opportunities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, among others, the Nigerian government aims to establish the country as a global hub for talent export.
The launch of NATEP was met with enthusiasm and support from various stakeholders. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, highlighted the importance of strategically utilizing Nigeria’s talent pool for economic development. He noted that the country has been losing top talents, such as in the field of academia, to other countries and emphasized the need for a deliberate effort to retain talent and leverage their expertise for national growth.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has expressed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in its talent export program. Dr. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the WEF, commended Nigeria’s initiative and pledged to provide continuous support through the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce.
The official launch of NATEP included a panel discussion moderated by Amal Hassan, CEO of Outsource Global. Panelists included Adaora Ikenza, Head of Policy for West and Central Africa for Meta, and Dr. Ola Williams, Country Representative for Microsoft Nigeria.
The Nigerian government’s National Talent Export Programme holds great promise for the country’s economy and job creation efforts. With its abundance of skilled graduates and a strategic focus on talent export, Nigeria is poised to become a global talent hub. The program’s launch marks a pivotal moment in the country’s quest for economic diversification and sustainable development.
