Tinubu: We’re Laying Foundation For A Digital Workforce To Power Nigeria’s Economic Transformation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, said his administration is laying the foundation for a youthful digital workforce that will power Nigeria’s next chapter of growth and shared prosperity.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga dropped this hint in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

President Tinubu spoke at the State House Conference Centre as he chaired the 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) National Impact Summit and launch of the 3MTT Digital Skills Fund. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented him.

President Tinubu said his administration’s determination to build a trillion–dollar economy is hinged on the understanding that the future will be driven by technical skills, productivity, innovation, and a youthful workforce whose skills meet global standards.

Launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the 3MTT programme targets training three million young Nigerians in critical technical skills, creating two million tech jobs, and exporting surplus talent.

“Our ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy will not be achieved by chance. It requires productivity, innovation and a workforce whose skills meet global standards. Digital skills now underpin growth across every major sector of our economy, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and public service,” President Tinubu said.

The President emphasised the imperative for Nigerian youths to be equipped with digital skills, declaring that these skills were not just an enabler of economic stability and growth but also a veritable source of job creation for the nation’s young and enterprising population.

“A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise and positions Nigeria to participate competitively in the global marketplace. More importantly, it shapes our role in the world. From passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent, the 3MTT program will unlock opportunities, empower young people and strengthen our long-term economic prospects.

“From over 1.8 million applications drawn from every local government in the country, to new jobs created, startups formed and solutions developed, 3MTT has moved from concept to nationwide impact across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”

President Tinubu called on the 30,000 young Nigerians who have undergone the training to remain focused, determined and see themselves as the workforce that will power the next chapter of the nation’s development strides, under a digital foundation.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the digital economy in Nigeria is one of the most attractive on the African continent for investment.

He praised President Tinubu for his vision for a digitally powered economy, and the private sector and development partners for their immense support towards the programme’s success.

Tijani said there were over 4.5 million vacant jobs in the technology sector when President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

“This led to the resolve by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to establish the world’s largest technology talent accelerator in 3MTT, for the sole purpose of training premium technical talent, not just for the Nigerian market,” the Minister stated.

Some of the programme’s beneficiaries gave testimonies about how it has helped them develop tech solutions to the problems faced by their communities.

Some said the programme has opened doors, enabling them to get jobs, participate in the Huawei Programme in China, win tech prizes in international competitions, scholarships and also train others.

Hauwa Yakubu Aliyu, from Jigawa State, narrated how the programme equipped her with the requisite digital skills, enabling her to empower farmers in her locality to adopt greenhouse farming methods.

“Through 3MTT, I received some of the most life-changing opportunities of my journey so far. I was given a fully funded trip to China, where I represented Nigeria at the Huawei ICT Tech4Good Global Summit. I received a brand-new laptop, which became the tool that supported my learning and helped me practice and build real projects,” Hauwa said.

Adelani Adelaja, a military personnel from Lagos State, said the programme has empowered him to develop logistics solutions that have not only enhanced his professionalism, but have also enabled him to groom other colleagues in digital skills and knowledge.

The representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Elsie Attafuah, applauded the courageous economic reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration, saying that “Nigeria has chosen reform over retreat, courage over comfort, and the future over the past.”

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, pledged $48m in support of the 3MTT Digital Skills Fund.

In a flurry of goodwill messages, 3MMM partners, including Google, Moniepoint, Airtel, IHS, Secure ID, and HUAWEI, lauded the Tinubu administration for its commitment to enhancing the technical capacity of young Nigerians and to providing a conducive environment for telecom businesses to thrive.