President Bola Tinubu has said that his government’s determination to build a trillion–dollar economy was hinged on the understanding that the future would be driven by technical skills, productivity, innovation, and a youthful workforce whose skills meet global standards.
The President said this in Thursday emphasizing that his administration was laying the foundation for a youthful digital workforce that would power Nigeria’s next chapter of growth and shared prosperity.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, spoke at the State House Conference Centre as he chaired the 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) National Impact Summit and launch of the 3MTT Digital Skills Fund.
Launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the 3MTT programme targets training three million young Nigerians in critical technical skills, creating two million tech jobs, and exporting surplus talent.
“Our ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy will not be achieved by chance. It requires productivity, innovation and a workforce whose skills meet global standards. Digital skills now underpin growth across every major sector of our economy, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and public service,” President Tinubu said.
The President emphasised the imperative for Nigerian youths to be equipped with digital skills, declaring that these skills were not just an enabler of economic stability and growth but also a veritable source of job creation for the nation’s young and enterprising population.
“A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise and positions Nigeria to participate competitively in the global marketplace. More importantly, it shapes our role in the world. From passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent, the 3MTT program will unlock opportunities, empower young people and strengthen our long-term economic prospects.
“From over 1.8 million applications drawn from every local government in the country, to new jobs created, startups formed and solutions developed, 3MTT has moved from concept to nationwide impact across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”
Tinubu called on the 30,000 young Nigerians who have undergone the training to remain focused, determined and see themselves as the workforce that will power the next chapter of the nation’s development strides, under a digital foundation.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the digital economy in Nigeria was one of the most attractive on the African continent for investment.
He praised the President for his vision for a digitally powered economy, and the private sector and development partners for their immense support towards the programme’s success.
Tijani said there were over 4.5 million vacant jobs in the technology sector when Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
“This led to the resolve by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to establish the world’s largest technology talent accelerator in 3MTT, for the sole purpose of training premium technical talent, not just for the Nigerian market,” the Minister stated.
Some of the programme’s beneficiaries gave testimonies about how it has helped them develop tech solutions to the problems faced by their communities. Some said the programme has opened doors, enabling them to get jobs, participate in the Huawei Programme in China, win tech prizes in international competitions, scholarships and also train others.
Hauwa Yakubu Aliyu, from Jigawa State, narrated how the programme equipped her with the requisite digital skills, enabling her to empower farmers in her locality to adopt greenhouse farming methods.
“Through 3MTT, I received some of the most life-changing opportunities of my journey so far. I was given a fully funded trip t
