The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the “Hire From Nigeria” campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting Nigerian talents globally and connecting skilled professionals with international employment and business opportunities.
The campaign was unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who said the programme would position Nigeria’s skilled workforce as a major contributor to the global economy.
Idris explained that the initiative is designed to create jobs, expand business opportunities and allow Nigerians to earn from international markets without necessarily relocating abroad.
Nigeria targets global talent market
The minister said the campaign represents a strategic effort to showcase Nigeria’s human capital and communicate directly with employers, investors and companies worldwide.
According to him, Nigeria has a large pool of skilled professionals capable of competing internationally when provided with the right training, infrastructure and access to global markets.
He said the initiative supports the vision of making Nigeria a major hub for talent and services exports.
“With the right skills, infrastructure, professional standards and access to markets, Nigerians can live and work and earn here at home while providing valuable services to clients and employers worldwide,” Idris said.
The minister added that the programme could generate foreign exchange earnings, increase tax revenue and expand Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
Part of Tinubu’s economic agenda
Idris said the “Hire From Nigeria” campaign aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of job creation, economic diversification, youth empowerment and skills development.
He said the Federal Government has set an ambition of creating one million export-linked jobs within five years through initiatives focused on talent development and global market access.
However, he noted that achieving the target would require cooperation between government agencies, private companies, technology firms, training institutions and young professionals.
Education Ministry highlights technology opportunities
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the campaign would focus on connecting Nigerian workers with global opportunities through three key areas: demand, supply and partnerships.
Alausa explained that there is already significant global demand for skilled workers, particularly in technology-related fields.
He cited 2025 UNESCO data indicating millions of vacancies across technology sectors globally, including software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and automation.
According to him, the figures show the potential available for Nigerian youths who acquire relevant skills and international certifications.
Government expands digital skills training
Alausa said the government is strengthening the supply side through programmes such as the Digital Technology Academy and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
He disclosed that about 35,000 Nigerians would receive training over six months through the Digital Technology Academy, with support for international certifications.
The certifications will involve global platforms and technology companies including Coursera, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft and Huawei.
He said the objective is to develop a workforce that can compete globally while allowing Nigerians to work remotely from the country.
Nigeria shifts focus to services export
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said Nigeria’s export conversations have traditionally focused on physical products such as crude oil, agricultural goods, minerals and manufactured items.
She noted that the global economy has evolved, with knowledge, digital skills and professional services becoming valuable exports.
Oduwole described the campaign as a public-private partnership involving government ministries, the National Talent Export Programme, the Bank of Industry’s iDICE programme, technology companies and other local and international partners.
She said the initiative would help position Nigeria as a preferred destination for skilled talent and digitally delivered services.
Background Information
Nigeria has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with increasing numbers of young professionals entering technology, creative industries and digital services.
The global rise of remote work has created opportunities for skilled workers to provide services internationally without relocating.
However, challenges such as skills gaps, certification costs, internet access and professional standards remain barriers to global competitiveness.
Government talent programmes are increasingly focusing on digital skills development and employment pathways.
