The federal government has relaunched its National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), targeting over one million direct export-linked jobs and at least $1 billion in foreign investment as it seeks to position Nigeria as a key player in the global services economy.
Led by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the renewed initiative aims to plug Nigeria’s skilled youth into the booming $1 trillion global outsourcing market by creating structured and ethical pathways for talent export
Sectors of priority include technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), healthcare, creative services, and remote work.
The programme, first introduced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly 18 months ago, has now been repackaged as a full-scale ecosystem play, with a clearer structure, sharper policy direction, and new leadership, the ministry said.
Jumoke Oduwole, unveiling the updated plan at Itana in Alaro City, Lagos—a newly established digital special economic zone, said NATEP was central to Nigeria’s strategy to boost non-oil exports, generate jobs, and increase foreign exchange inflows.
“This initiative represents Nigeria’s bold effort to establish itself as a competitive hub for skilled talent in global services,” she said. “We’re not just opening our doors, we’re raising our standards.”
According to the ministry, the government hopes to facilitate one million direct jobs and up to five million indirect jobs within five years.
It also plans to train ten million Nigerians in globally relevant digital and professional certifications, and incentivise outsourcing and IT-enabled service companies to expand their operations in Nigeria.
Part of Friday’s relaunch included the signing of a strategic agreement with private sector players, including Itana and Alaro City to create an initial 100,000 jobs across high-impact sectors.
“NATEP is how we scale, not through theory, but through execution,” Oduwole said. “When the public and private sectors unite around a shared vision, world-class results are possible right here in Nigeria.”
The programme will also focus on building a national talent database, reforming policy to support remote service exports, and partnering with international outsourcing platforms to match Nigerian workers with global demand.
Appointed as National Coordinator of NATEP is Teju Abisoye, a development finance expert with two decades of experience in youth employment and enterprise development. Her mandate includes leading programme implementation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring delivery at scale.
Officials say NATEP aligns with the broader economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including plans to diversify exports, improve digital infrastructure, and promote trade in services under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The government believes Nigeria is well-placed to take advantage of global outsourcing trends, citing the country’s youthful and English-speaking population, compatible time zone, and improving digital infrastructure as key advantages.
In addition to job creation, the ministry projects that the service export economy could contribute four to five percent of Nigeria’s GDP annually if current plans succeed.
For young Nigerians, the message was clear.
“This programme is about you, for you, and with you,” said Oduwole. “The future of work isn’t somewhere else, it’s being built here.”
BusinessDay