The Federal Government has launched a national talent export programme tagged National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), designed to create at least one million jobs in the next five years.

The initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to diversify the Nigerian economy, create sustainability opportunities and generate about 50 million jobs for the youth.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, made the disclosure last Friday on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at an event tagged ‘Positioning Nigeria as a Global Talent Hub’ in New York, U.S., which was attended by officials of the World Economic Forum and the Microsoft Group.

She said: “NATEP is a key national initiative that will serve as a special purpose vehicle to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for service export, talent sourcing and talent export.

“As part of our strategy towards achieving His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for job creation, we have initiated a national talent export programme for Nigeria, which targets the creation of one million jobs across Nigeria over a five year period. NATEP is a key national initiative that will serve as a special purpose vehicle to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for service exports, talent sourcing and talent export.

“The Nigerian government under the leadership of President Tinubu as part of the Renewed Hope agenda is committed to diversifying the economy and creating sustainable employment opportunities, especially for the youth by creating 50 million jobs. This is in tandem with the theme of this year’s UNGA, ‘Rebuilding Trust and Igniting Global Solidarity, Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals Towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All’.” According to her, NATEP would be dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by the talent and service sector export industry, laying emphasis on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth through trade in services.

Uzoka-Anite said Nigeria has the ability to supply top talent for the global service export and outsourcing business, with over 1.7 million graduates from higher educational institutions entering the workforce yearly.

“NATEP will serve as a dedicated entity to address the unique needs and challenges faced by the talent and service export industry. The programme will lay special emphasis on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth through trade and services.

It is noteworthy that the global talent sourcing industry was valued at $620 billion in 2020 and is forecasted to be valued at $904 billion by 2027. With a youthful population and over 1.7 million graduates from the higher educational institutions joining the workforce each year, Nigeria has the potential to provide high quality talent for the global service export and outsourcing industry,” she added.