The Federal Government has launched the “Hire From Nigeria” campaign as part of efforts to position the country as a global hub for skilled talent and digitally delivered services, with a target of creating one million export-linked jobs over five years.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the official press conference for the campaign.
Idris said the initiative would expand Nigeria’s traditional approach to exports beyond physical products to include knowledge, skills, creativity and professional services that can be delivered across borders.
He said Nigeria was well positioned to compete in the global talent economy, citing its large youthful population, growing pool of skilled professionals, entrepreneurial culture and strong English-language proficiency.
“The global economy has changed. Today, knowledge, skills, creativity and professional services can cross borders without the movement of physical goods,” Idris said.
According to him, the campaign is a public-private collaboration involving the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Education, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), Bank of Industry’s iDICE programme and other private-sector partners.
The minister said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would support the campaign with its communication platforms and agencies to promote Nigerian talent locally and internationally.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the story of Nigerian talent is told clearly, credibly and consistently,” he said.
Idris said the campaign would communicate directly with employers, investors and businesses worldwide, assuring them that Nigeria has skilled professionals capable of competing in the international marketplace.
“We will speak directly to employers, investors and businesses around the world, affirming that Nigeria is open for business, and that Nigeria has talented people ready to compete, collaborate and contribute in today’s global marketplace,” he said.
He also urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy, noting that participation in the global workforce no longer necessarily requires leaving the country.
“A young Nigerian does not have to leave the country to participate in the global economy,” Idris said.
He explained that with appropriate skills, infrastructure, professional standards and access to international markets, Nigerians could live and work in the country while providing services to clients and employers worldwide.
According to him, the initiative could increase foreign exchange inflows, tax revenues and Nigeria’s skills and knowledge base.
Idris described the campaign as a practical expression of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on job creation, economic diversification, skills development, global integration and youth empowerment.
He said activities would build towards the global launch of the campaign during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The minister stressed that achieving the campaign’s objectives would require stronger cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, training institutions, employers, technology companies and young professionals.
“The future of Nigeria’s economy will increasingly be driven by the talent, creativity, skills and productivity of our people,” he said.
He added, “Nigeria is ready to compete on the global stage. Nigerian talent is ready to work. And the world should look to Nigeria.”
Idris commended the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, the NATEP team, Tech-for-Dev, the Bank of Industry’s iDICE programme and other partners for supporting the initiative.
He urged stakeholders to work together to ensure that “Hire From Nigeria” becomes a sustainable platform for connecting Nigerian professionals with employers and opportunities across the global economy.