The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment officially relaunched the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), an initiative aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of skills in technology, business process outsourcing, creative industries, medical and professional services, and remote work.
Speaking at the Itana Free Zone in Abuja, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, described the move as a relaunch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to embed Nigeria firmly within the global services economy.
“The opportunity is evident. The global services industry is already valued at over $1 trillion and is expanding. Countries worldwide are vying for a share of this market, and Nigeria is uniquely positioned to spearhead Africa’s efforts, with our youthful population, proficiency in English, time zone advantage, and advancing digital capabilities,” Oduwole said.
The original NATEP strategy was unveiled 18 months ago on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, but this relaunch highlights a more enhanced focus and sharper alignment to global market demands.
The relaunched programme aims to achieve one million direct export-linked jobs by 2030, 4–5 million additional indirect jobs across related industries, $1 billion in foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s services economy, 4–5 percent annual contribution to national GDP from service exports, and 10 million Nigerians trained in globally demanded skills and certifications.
To achieve these objectives, Oduwole highlighted partnerships with private-sector innovators such as Itana, Alaro City, Rendeavour, Sterling Bank, and the Africa Finance Corporation.
“Today, I am proud to announce a significant milestone in this effort: the successful signing of a strategic agreement to create an initial 100,000 jobs across high-impact sectors — made possible through collaboration with platforms like Itana, Alaro City, and other partners present in this room. This is how we scale — not through theory, but through execution. Not through silos, but through partnerships,” Oduwole said.
With its relaunch, NATEP represents a bold step toward integrating skills and digital services into Nigeria’s export portfolio.
“NATEP represents more than just numbers. It focuses on integrating Nigeria into the next chapter of global trade — not only through goods but also through skills, services, and digital capabilities. It aligns with our efforts to strengthen AfCFTA-aligned remote work corridors throughout Africa, our commercial diplomacy initiatives under the U.S.–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership, and our aim to enhance trade in services with economies in the Gulf states,” Oduwole added.
