President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a youthful digital workforce that will drive Nigeria’s next phase of growth and shared prosperity.
He made the remarks at the State House Conference Centre during the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) National Impact Summit and the launch of the 3MTT Digital Skills Fund.
Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu said his administration’s vision to create a trillion-dollar economy depends on a workforce with technical skills, productivity, and innovation that meet global standards.
Launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the 3MTT programme aims to train three million young Nigerians in critical technical skills, create two million tech jobs, and export surplus talent.
“Our ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy will not be achieved by chance. Digital skills now underpin growth across every major sector of our economy, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, and public service,”
He stressed that equipping Nigerian youths with digital skills is essential not only for economic stability and growth, but also as a key source of job creation.
“A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise, and positions Nigeria competitively in the global marketplace. From passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent, the 3MTT program will unlock opportunities, empower young people, and strengthen long-term economic prospects,”
Since inception, the programme has received over 1.8 million applications from all local government areas, creating jobs, supporting startups, and developing tech solutions nationwide.
President Tinubu called on the 30,000 youths already trained to remain focused and see themselves as the workforce that will power Nigeria’s development under a digital foundation.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted that Nigeria’s digital economy is among the most attractive in Africa for investment.
He praised the President for envisioning a digitally powered economy and acknowledged private sector and development partners for their support.
Tijani revealed that over 4.5 million technology sector jobs were vacant when the Tinubu administration assumed office in 2023, prompting the creation of 3MTT as the world’s largest technology talent accelerator.
Several beneficiaries of 3MTT shared their success stories. Hauwa Yakubu Aliyu from Jigawa State recounted how the programme enabled her to train farmers in greenhouse farming techniques and participate in the Huawei ICT Tech4Good Global Summit in China, while Adelani Adelaja, a military personnel from Lagos, used the training to develop logistics solutions and train colleagues in digital skills.
International partners also lauded the initiative. UNDP representative Elsie Attafuah commended the Tinubu administration for its economic reforms, and European Union Ambassador Gautier Mignot pledged $48 million to the 3MTT Digital Skills Fund.
Other partners, including Google, Moniepoint, Airtel, IHS, Secure ID, and Huawei, praised the government’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s technical workforce and fostering a conducive environment for telecom businesses.
The 3MTT programme represents a cornerstone in the Federal Government’s vision to harness digital skills for national transformation, empower young Nigerians, and position the country as a global technology leader.