The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has announced new efforts to connect thousands of young Nigerians trained under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program with jobs locally and globally. According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the government is now partnering with business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to ensure participants transition into meaningful employment.
Over 117,000 Nigerians Trained Under 3MTT Program
Launched in October 2023, the 3MTT initiative aims to train 3 million Nigerians in four years. So far, more than 117,000 fellows have been trained in critical digital skills, with some already engaged in the workforce.
The program began with 30,000 fellows (1% of the target) before expanding to a second cohort of 270,000 participants. Training is delivered in partnership with MTN, Airtel, IHS, UNDP, and other development agencies.
Job Creation Through BPO Partnerships
Speaking on Arise TV, Tijani noted that while training is vital, the biggest challenge remains job placement. To address this, the government is:
- Partnering with BPO companies to employ skilled Nigerians and connect them with international clients.
- Establishing “Talent Cities” by refurbishing government buildings into modern hubs where BPOs can operate and employ fellows.
- Encouraging remote work opportunities that allow Nigerians to earn in foreign currency while residing locally.
Leveraging Nigeria’s Youthful Demographics
Nigeria’s youthful population—average age of 16.9 years, with nearly 70% under 30—is seen as a major advantage at a time when many developed economies face ageing workforces.
“Our goal is not just about creating jobs here in Nigeria but ensuring Nigerians are well-positioned for global opportunities,” Tijani said.
“Some will travel abroad, but many can stay and take remote jobs, contributing to the local economy while earning globally.”
Skills Offered Under the 3MTT Program
The 3MTT training curriculum covers both technical and non-technical digital skills needed in today’s global economy. These include:
- Digital Marketing & SEO
- Project Management Software
- Cloud Platforms Navigation
- Data Analysis & Visualisation
- CRM Management
- Accounting Software
- Graphic Design
- UX/UI Design
These skills are designed to equip Nigerians not just for local opportunities but also for remote global roles in tech-driven industries.
What You Should Know
- The 3MTT program was launched in October 2023 with a goal of training 3 million Nigerians in 4 years.
- The program is executed in phases, co-created with government agencies, training providers, universities, private sector players, and development partners.
- The initiative aims to solve Nigeria’s unemployment challenge while boosting digital economy growth and positioning Nigerians for international tech opportunities.
