FG unveils plan to create 1m global jobs for Nigerians

The Federal Government has launched a new initiative aimed at connecting Nigerian professionals with international employers as part of a plan to generate one million export-linked jobs by 2030.

The “Hire from Nigeria” campaign was unveiled in Abuja as the government seeks to expand the country’s services exports and increase foreign exchange earnings through its growing pool of skilled workers.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the initiative was designed as an economic strategy to tap into global demand for Nigerian talent rather than merely serve as a promotional campaign.

Oduwole said the government was developing a demand-driven services export strategy alongside Nigeria’s first national outsourcing policy, which she said was scheduled for launch in November 2026.

“Hiring from Nigeria is not an act of goodwill. It is a sound commercial decision that delivers capability, innovation, competitiveness and value,” she said.

She added that Nigeria’s large workforce and expanding pool of skilled professionals provided an opportunity to significantly increase the country’s participation in the global services economy.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said digital technology had removed the need for Nigerians to relocate before they could work for international companies.

“A young Nigerian does not have to leave the country to participate in the global economy,” Idris said.

He said government communication agencies and platforms would be used to promote Nigerian professionals and services in international markets.

According to him, the campaign is expected to receive global exposure through a planned presentation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the education sector was being repositioned to produce graduates and skilled workers who could compete for opportunities beyond Nigeria.

Alausa disclosed that more than 200,000 Nigerians were currently receiving training at over 1,200 skills centres across the country.

He also announced plans to establish a Digital Technology Academy that would focus on areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development and cloud computing.

“The whole thing about Hire from Nigeria is to keep our people in Nigeria, but for them to service companies globally,” the minister said.

Founder of Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, said Nigeria had a substantial pool of talent but needed to improve access to international opportunities.

The government said the campaign would ultimately enable Nigerians to earn foreign income while remaining in the country, making digitally delivered professional services a larger component of Nigeria’s economic growth strategy.