Nigeria is making a fresh push to unlock opportunities in the global outsourcing industry—valued at over $1 trillion—by repositioning its youthful workforce through the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP).
The initiative, relaunched by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, aims to attract over $1 billion in foreign direct investment while creating up to one million direct jobs and five million indirect jobs over the next five years.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu's economic agenda to empower Nigerian youth and drive inclusive growth through service exports.
"NATEP represents our strategic move to position Nigeria as a top-tier global provider of digital and professional services," she said. "We are building infrastructure, policy tools, and partnerships that will make this vision a reality."
With a focus on business process outsourcing, technology, healthcare, the creative industry, and remote work, the programme seeks to turn Nigeria into a global talent hub. Plans include training 10 million Nigerians in globally recognised certifications and creating a national talent database to connect skilled workers with international employers.
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Teju Abisoye, a seasoned development finance expert, has been appointed as the National Coordinator of NATEP. She described the initiative as a critical response to rising youth unemployment and the need to diversify the economy.
"We're creating structured and ethical talent export pathways that meet global standards while upskilling millions of young Nigerians," Abisoye said.
As part of efforts to drive implementation, the ministry signed a strategic partnership with Itana and Alaro City, home to Nigeria's first Digital Special Economic Zone. The collaboration is expected to generate at least 100,000 jobs in the short term.
NATEP is now operating as a full-fledged Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the ministry, with a mandate to expand digital infrastructure, strengthen international partnerships, and open new doors for Nigerian talent in the global economy.
