The Federal Government of Nigeria is ramping up efforts to transform the nation into a trillion-dollar economy by strategically investing in digital and technical skills. At the 3MTT Nigeria National Impact Summit held in Abuja, officials underscored that the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme is central to this economic vision. President Bola Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil or minerals, but the creativity and potential of its people.
Represented at the summit by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu highlighted the nationwide reach of 3MTT. Applications have poured in from every state and local government, ensuring that opportunities are no longer confined to major cities. He added that the initiative is helping restore confidence among young Nigerians, giving them a tangible pathway to participate in the global digital economy.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, shared that the 3MTT programme has already created over 16,000 direct jobs and established 201 applied learning centres across Nigeria. Supported by more than 600 facilitators and 37 community managers, these centres serve as practical hubs for young Nigerians to acquire and apply digital skills, from AI and machine learning to other advanced technologies.
The summit also highlighted international support, with EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, confirming that EU funding and technical assistance will help scale 3MTT. Corporate partners, including Airtel Nigeria and Google West Africa, praised the initiative for equipping youth with skills that not only meet domestic demand but also position Nigeria as a global exporter of tech talent.
Experts agree that the programme is more than job creation—it is about building a skilled workforce capable of producing innovations for the world. As Nigeria continues to nurture homegrown talent, initiatives like 3MTT are seen as vital in shaping a future where the country competes on a global digital stage while fostering economic growth from within.
source: The Guardian