The Federal Government of Nigeria through its Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has re-launched the country National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) to position the country’s teeming youth population for a global outsourcing.
The programme, reintroduced over the weekend in Lagos, is led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and is part of efforts to tap into the $1 trillion global outsourcing market. NATEP is expected to provide structured pathways for Nigerian youth to participate in global digital and professional service exports. This is a bold move to harness the country’s growing youth population and position it as a global talent hub.
Speaking at the re-launch programme in Lagos, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said that: “What we celebrate today is not merely the launch of a programme; it is the continuation of a national vision to position Nigeria as a global leader in the future of work and digital services. With digital transformation at the heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, we are building the infrastructure, systems, and policy tools necessary to support an inclusive, innovation-driven economy.”
NATEP aligns with President Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, which prioritizes job creation, digital economy growth, and economic diversification. The programme is designed to address youth unemployment while also boosting Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through the export of services.
As part of the re-launch, the National Coordinator of NATEP, Mrs. Teju Abisoye emphasized the programme’s strategic focus on creating an enabling environment through policy reforms, partnerships, and capacity building.
“Our goal is to upskill and enable Nigeria’s vast human capital to take advantage of the growing global demand for outsourced digital services and remote work. Through NATEP, we are determined to position Nigeria as Africa’s top talent destination.” she said
To showcase the infrastructure supporting the initiative, the minister led a delegation on a tour of Itana, Nigeria’s first Digital Special Economic Zone, located within Alaro City in Lagos. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to solidify public-private collaboration aimed at delivering NATEP’s objectives.
The re-launch of NATEP marks a strategic step toward unlocking Nigeria’s service sector potential and demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to empowering youth and building a future-ready workforce.
