The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has officially relaunched the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), a strategic initiative aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of skills in various industries. This includes technology, business process outsourcing, creative industries, medical and professional services, and remote work.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, highlighted the significance of this move, describing it as a relaunch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to firmly establish Nigeria within the global services economy. Oduwole emphasized the vast opportunities in the global services industry, which is valued at over $1 trillion and expanding rapidly. With Nigeria’s youthful population, proficiency in English, advantageous time zone, and advancing digital capabilities, the country is well-positioned to lead Africa’s efforts in this sector.
The original NATEP strategy was unveiled 18 months ago during the United Nations General Assembly, but the relaunch signifies a more enhanced focus and alignment with global market demands. The programme aims to create one million direct export-linked jobs by 2030, along with 4–5 million additional indirect jobs, $1 billion in foreign direct investment, a 4–5 percent annual contribution to the national GDP from service exports, and the training of 10 million Nigerians in globally demanded skills and certifications.
To achieve these ambitious objectives, partnerships with private-sector innovators such as Itana, Alaro City, Rendeavour, Sterling Bank, and the Africa Finance Corporation are crucial. Oduwole announced a significant milestone in the form of a strategic agreement to create an initial 100,000 jobs across high-impact sectors through collaboration with key partners. This demonstrates a practical approach to scaling through execution and partnerships, rather than theoretical concepts or siloed efforts.
The relaunched NATEP represents a bold step towards integrating skills and digital services into Nigeria’s export portfolio. Oduwole emphasized that the programme goes beyond numbers and focuses on integrating Nigeria into the next chapter of global trade by leveraging skills, services, and digital capabilities. This aligns with efforts to strengthen remote work corridors in Africa, commercial diplomacy initiatives, and enhancing trade in services with economies in the Gulf states.
In conclusion, the relaunch of NATEP signifies a strategic move towards positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global services economy. With a focus on skills, services, and digital capabilities, the programme aims to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
