The Federal Government of Nigeria has revived the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) in a bold move to tap into the $1 trillion global outsourcing market. The programme, which was originally introduced 18 months ago, has now been relaunched with a more ambitious and structured framework aimed at boosting Nigeria’s service export capabilities and creating millions of jobs.
At the heart of this initiative is the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic diversification. During the relaunch event in Lagos, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, explained that NATEP is a strategic part of President Bola Tinubu’s economic roadmap. According to her, the programme is not only designed to reduce unemployment but also to position Nigeria as a key player in the global digital and professional services space.
NATEP aims to create at least one million direct export-linked jobs and up to five million indirect jobs over the next five years. It also seeks to attract over $1 billion in foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s service-oriented sectors, including technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), the creative economy, healthcare, professional services, and remote work.
Dr. Oduwole stressed that Nigeria’s large population of young, tech-savvy individuals is a major strength that the country must leverage. With an estimated 70 percent of its population under the age of 35, Nigeria has a vast reservoir of untapped talent that, if properly trained and supported, can become a global export commodity in the form of skilled services.
To achieve its targets, the government plans to train at least 10 million Nigerians in globally recognized digital and professional certifications. This training will be focused on in-demand skills that meet the requirements of international employers. It will also involve partnerships with global tech companies, outsourcing platforms, and educational institutions to ensure that Nigerian workers are equipped to compete at the highest levels.
A key component of the programme is the creation of legal and ethical migration pathways that will allow Nigerian professionals to work remotely or relocate abroad under structured and transparent arrangements. This will help reduce illegal migration and brain drain, replacing them with a managed system that benefits both the workers and the national economy.
In addition, the government will develop a national talent database to map available skills and connect trained individuals with potential employers. This database will also serve as a tracking system to monitor job placements, career progression, and the overall impact of the programme.
The relaunch of NATEP comes at a time when countries around the world are increasingly relying on remote workers and outsourced services. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure and skilled talent. Nigeria is now positioning itself to be a global hub for talent outsourcing, much like India and the Philippines have done in the past.
To demonstrate the government’s commitment, Dr. Oduwole led a delegation to Alaro City, home to Itana, Nigeria’s first Digital Special Economic Zone. There, she announced a strategic partnership that will immediately create 100,000 jobs across multiple sectors. The collaboration with Itana and other partners will serve as a model for future engagements and help set the standard for job creation under NATEP.
Private sector players have also expressed interest in supporting the programme. Several outsourcing firms and international employers are already in talks with the Ministry to set up operations in Nigeria or expand existing ones. The government has promised incentives such as tax breaks, improved infrastructure, and regulatory support to encourage these investments.
Despite the enthusiasm, some experts have cautioned that for NATEP to succeed, Nigeria must address issues related to power supply, internet connectivity, and the ease of doing business. There are also concerns about the sustainability of the programme beyond political cycles. However, Dr. Oduwole assured stakeholders that NATEP has been designed as a long-term initiative with institutional backing to ensure continuity and impact.
In a country where youth unemployment remains a critical challenge, the revival of NATEP represents a significant step toward economic transformation. If successfully implemented, it could shift Nigeria from being an import-dependent economy to one that exports high-value services to the world.
By aligning its human capital development efforts with global market demands, Nigeria stands a real chance of becoming a top destination for outsourced talent. The global outsourcing market is vast and constantly evolving, and with the right infrastructure, training, and governance, Nigeria could become one of its major beneficiaries.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate