CEM REPORT, ECONOMY| Nigeria’s unemployment rate remains a pressing concern, pushing many skilled individuals to seek opportunities abroad. Recognizing this challenge, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and NATEP, has taken a significant step towards creating a structured framework for talent export.
The ministry signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UTEL Ltd, a subsidiary of Unique Agency Kuwait, a prominent provider of expatriate personnel for government agencies in Kuwait.
The partnership, signed May 21, 2024, overseen by Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, marks a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to connect its citizens with quality employment opportunities on a global scale.
Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator of the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), expressed optimism about the MoU, stating, “The signing of the MoU marks another milestone in our efforts to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality employment opportunities.”
He further elaborated on the program’s potential to encompass both direct employment and emigration for skilled Nigerians, while simultaneously leveraging the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) model to create valuable job opportunities within the country.
Addressing the Challenge of Illegal Migration
The MoU with UTEL Ltd signifies a strategic shift towards combating illegal migration. By establishing a reliable and well-defined path for Nigerian talent to secure employment abroad, the initiative aims to discourage individuals from resorting to unsafe and unauthorized means of reaching foreign job markets.
This focus on structured talent export is crucial in light of the risks associated with illegal migration. Nigerians who migrate illegally often face exploitation, deportation, and even physical harm. The NATEP program, in collaboration with UTEL Ltd, seeks to provide a safe and secure alternative, allowing skilled Nigerians to contribute their talents to international markets while ensuring their well-being.
The initial phase of the program offers a promising start, with an immediate announcement of 250 foreign job openings available to qualified Nigerians. This tangible outcome demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding job opportunities through strategic partnerships on the global stage.
A Multi-Faceted Approach: The “1+2” Model
The MoU outlines a unique “1+2” approach that goes beyond simply connecting Nigerians with foreign jobs. This innovative model seeks to create a ripple effect that benefits both the Nigerian workforce and the BPO sector within the country.
For every Nigerian selected for a foreign job placement, the program will undertake two additional initiatives:
Connecting an outsourced role to the Nigerian BPO ecosystem: This will create domestic job opportunities within the growing BPO sector, allowing Nigerians to leverage their skills while remaining within the country.
Supporting the training of another Nigerian: This component focuses on upskilling the Nigerian workforce, aligning individual skillsets with the demands of the global job market. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that Nigeria has a readily available pool of skilled professionals to meet international demands.
This comprehensive approach not only empowers individual Nigerians to find well-paying jobs abroad, but also fosters the development of the domestic BPO industry and strengthens the overall competitiveness of the Nigerian workforce in the global market.
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International Recognition for NATEP
The signing ceremony attracted prominent figures from Kuwait, Oman, and Norway, showcasing the international recognition and support for Nigeria’s efforts in talent export. This global engagement underscores the program’s potential to create mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigeria and other nations.
Uzoka-Anite further emphasized the government’s dedication to workforce development, stating her commitment to “upskilling our workforce to support the Federal Government’s industrial revitalization plan and provide skilled citizens for global opportunities.”
This focus on continuous skills development ensures that Nigerian talent remains competitive and well-positioned to thrive in the ever-evolving global job market.
A Brighter Future for Nigerian Talent
The MoU with UTEL Ltd. represents a significant development for Nigeria’s talent export ambitions. This initiative offers a promising solution to youth unemployment and illegal migration by providing safe, legal, and rewarding international job opportunities for Nigerian professionals. With a focus on direct employment, BPO development, and workforce upskilling, the program has the potential to create a brighter future for both Nigerian citizens and the country’s global standing.
