The Federal Government has announced a new initiative aimed at linking thousands of Nigerians trained under its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program to job opportunities both at home and abroad. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, confirmed that the government is now working with business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to create pathways into employment for program participants.
The 3MTT scheme, which is part of the government’s broader strategy to train three million Nigerians in digital skills, has so far produced more than 117,000 fellows. While some have already been engaged in jobs, Tijani acknowledged that training alone is not enough without creating viable employment opportunities.
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“We are working with BPO companies who are willing to employ Nigerians with digital skills and then outsource their services to clients abroad,” Tijani explained. “We are also setting up what we call a ‘talent city,’ where government buildings will be refurbished and converted into hubs where BPOs can operate and employ a large number of fellows.”
According to the Minister, the program is open to all Nigerians who can read and write, regardless of educational background. Supported by major partners such as MTN, Airtel, IHS, and development agencies like UNDP, the initiative has already provided thousands of young people with practical training, with many receiving stipends during internships.
Tijani emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful demographic gives the country a unique advantage at a time when many advanced economies are dealing with aging populations. “Our goal is not just to create jobs in Nigeria, but also to position young Nigerians for global opportunities,” he said. “Some will travel abroad with the right skills, while those who remain can secure remote jobs that pay in foreign currency while living and contributing to our local economy.”
The initiative reflects a broader ambition to make Nigeria a major player in the global digital economy, while also addressing unemployment challenges among its growing youth population.
