Bridging skills gaps: Nigeria launches programme to equip citizens for emerging jobs

By Juliet Umeh

Nigeria has officially launched the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network, a transformative initiative designed to strengthen workforce capabilities, close critical skills gaps, and prepare citizens for the future of work. The launch positions Nigeria at the forefront of the World Economic Forum’s Reskilling Revolution, as the nation joins the Global Accelerators Network.

The program, co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Education, and coordinated by the National Talent Export Programme, NATEP, brings together government, private sector, academia, and civil society to co-create scalable solutions for reskilling and upskilling Nigerians. Focus areas include digital, green, and transferable skills, aimed at boosting employability and aligning education with labour market needs.

Speaking at the launch, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as “a decisive step towards building a globally competitive workforce that can power Nigeria’s next phase of industrialisation and innovation. The Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network represents a turning point in connecting policy, industry, and education, creating a unified platform for employability, productivity, and inclusive economic growth.”

Similarly, Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring Nigerian youth acquire future-ready skills that make them globally competitive.

Teju Abisoye, National Coordinator of NATEP, added: “Through this collaboration, Nigeria is not only preparing for the future of work but also helping to define it. We are developing a coordinated action plan to address talent gaps and leverage opportunities for talent export.”

The initiative prioritises the development of digital and transferable skills for emerging sectors such as technology, business process outsourcing, and green industries. Public-private partnerships will be mobilised to fund and scale reskilling programs, redeploy workforce talent into high-demand roles, and develop data-driven systems to anticipate future skills needs.

Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, welcomed the launch, noting: “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to equip individuals with the capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. By investing in human capital, Nigeria is positioning itself to meet domestic workforce needs and contribute talent and innovation to the global economy.”

The Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network complements ongoing reforms aimed at economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable growth, in line with President Tinubu’s agenda to create one million in-demand jobs within five years while positioning Nigeria as a competitive talent hub both regionally and globally.