The Federal Government has set a target of creating one million export-linked jobs by 2030 as it seeks to position Nigerian professionals and digitally delivered services as major contributors to foreign exchange earnings and economic growth.
The government unveiled the “Hire from Nigeria” campaign in Abuja, with the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, outlining measures to connect Nigerian talent with employers and businesses in international markets.
Oduwole said the initiative was designed as a deliberate economic strategy rather than a publicity campaign, stressing that Nigeria could leverage its large population and skilled workforce to expand its services exports.
“Hiring from Nigeria is not an act of goodwill. It is a sound commercial decision that delivers capability, innovation, competitiveness and value,” she said.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a demand-led services export strategy as well as Nigeria’s first national outsourcing policy, which is expected to be launched in November 2026.
According to her, the initiative would help expand opportunities for Nigerian professionals while increasing the country’s participation in the global services economy.
Idris said the campaign would create opportunities for Nigerians to earn from international markets without necessarily relocating abroad, particularly as digital technology has made it possible for professional services to be delivered across borders.
“A young Nigerian does not have to leave the country to participate in the global economy,” he said.
He added that Nigerians could “live and work and earn here at home” while providing services to international clients.
The minister said government communication platforms and relevant agencies would be deployed to promote Nigerian talent globally.
He disclosed that the campaign would also be presented at the 81st United Nations General Assembly as part of efforts to attract international employers and businesses to Nigerian professionals.
Alausa said the education sector was being aligned with the initiative by equipping Nigerians with skills required to compete in the global labour market.
He disclosed that more than 200,000 Nigerians were currently undergoing training across over 1,200 skills centres across the country.
The minister also revealed plans to establish a Digital Technology Academy that would focus on emerging and high-demand areas, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development and cloud computing.
“The whole thing about Hire from Nigeria is to keep our people in Nigeria, but for them to service companies globally,” Alausa said.
He explained that the initiative would complement existing efforts to develop a workforce capable of meeting the demands of international employers and businesses.
The founder of Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, said Nigeria’s challenge was increasingly shifting from a shortage of talent to limited access to global opportunities.
He said connecting Nigerian professionals with international markets could help unlock the economic value of the country’s large pool of young and digitally skilled workers.
The Federal Government said the “Hire from Nigeria” campaign was part of broader efforts to diversify Nigeria’s sources of foreign exchange, expand employment opportunities and ensure that digital and professional services become stronger contributors to the national economy.
Through the initiative, the government hopes to enable Nigerian professionals to participate more directly in the global economy while remaining in the country, thereby creating jobs and increasing the inflow of foreign earnings.