The Nigerian government has officially launched the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network, a groundbreaking national initiative designed to address critical skills shortages while creating millions of employment opportunities for the country's youth population.
Unveiled on November 12, 2025, this transformative program represents Nigeria's formal entry into the World Economic Forum's Reskilling Revolution and the Global Accelerators Network, marking a significant step in preparing the nation's workforce for the rapidly evolving global economy.
A Collaborative National Effort
The ambitious program is co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Education, with coordination handled by the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP). This multi-stakeholder approach brings together government agencies, private sector leaders, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as "a decisive step toward building a globally competitive workforce that can power Nigeria's next phase of industrialisation and innovation." She emphasized that the Accelerator is specifically designed to connect policy, industry, and education within a unified national framework.
Focus on Future-Ready Skills
At the core of the Nigeria Talent Accelerator is the mission to prepare millions of Nigerians for high-value roles in emerging sectors. The program will prioritize:
- Digital skills and technology competencies
- Innovation-driven capabilities
- Green industry expertise
- Business process outsourcing skills
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa reinforced this vision, stressing that Nigeria's education and vocational systems must evolve to meet modern labor market demands. He confirmed the government's commitment to ensuring young Nigerians gain future-ready skills that enhance their global competitiveness.
Global Recognition and Local Impact
The World Economic Forum has endorsed Nigeria's leadership in this initiative. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, praised the move, noting that "by investing in human capital, Nigeria is positioning itself not only to meet domestic workforce needs but also to contribute talent and innovation to the global economy."
Teju Abisoye, National Coordinator of NATEP, highlighted that the program's long-term objective extends beyond preparing for the future of work. "We are developing a coordinated action plan to address talent gaps and leverage opportunities for talent export," she explained, indicating ambitions to help define the future landscape of work itself.
The Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network represents a crucial component of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, complementing ongoing government reforms focused on economic diversification, industrialization, and youth empowerment. This initiative connects Nigeria to a global movement aiming to provide better skills and opportunities for one billion people worldwide by 2030.
