President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria’s drive toward a $1 trillion economy will depend on raising productivity, accelerating innovation, and equipping citizens with globally competitive skills.
Speaking at the 3MTT Nigeria National Impact Summit at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President said national prosperity requires deliberate investment in human capital, not chance. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Tinubu noted that rapid technological shifts are reshaping global competitiveness, adding that countries that lead are those that intentionally develop the digital capacity of their young people. He stressed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria must prioritise human capital as its most valuable asset.
He said digital skills now drive growth in agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and public service, making the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme central to the administration’s economic agenda.
“A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise and positions Nigeria to compete globally. It moves us from consumers of technology to creators and exporters of talent,” he said.
The President described the 3MTT programme as evidence of focused implementation, noting its transition from concept to measurable impact across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. With more than 1.8 million applications, he said the initiative has opened opportunities beyond major cities and restored confidence among young Nigerians seeking to thrive in the digital economy.
Tinubu commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for driving the programme and acknowledged private-sector and development partners—including IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, UNDP and the European Union—for strengthening its delivery.
He said the country must remain committed to the broader goal of building nationwide digital and technical capacity, which will require sustained collaboration among government, industry and international partners.
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“To the young Nigerians gathered here, and the millions you represent, we believe in your capacity and your future. Through initiatives like 3MTT, we are building real platforms for progress,” he said.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s future will be powered by skilled and innovative citizens, adding that the administration is laying the foundation for a digital workforce capable of driving long-term growth and shared prosperity.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said about 135,000 Nigerians have been trained in the last two years, with many securing well-paid jobs or opportunities for further studies abroad.
Tijani praised the President’s commitment to digital transformation, noting that 1.8 million youths signed up within the first month of the 3MTT programme’s launch. He said the administration’s push for digital infrastructure remains unmatched, with the approval for the deployment of 4,000 telecom facilities to connect 23 million unserved Nigerians.
He projected that by 2030, around 170 million tech-related jobs would be available globally, stressing that Nigeria is now positioning its youths to compete for—and fill—those roles.
Tijani also highlighted support from private-sector partners and international organisations, including Google, Microsoft, IHS, Huawei, MTN, UNDP and the African Development Bank. He said the 3MTT programme remains open to all youths across the country.
He added that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) provided about N1.5 billion worth of laptops and devices for trainees, while beneficiaries have secured 15,000 direct jobs after completing the programme.
The Minister urged more private-sector participation, noting that the initiative now has community managers in all states and the FCT, and over 600 facility agents across the 774 local government areas.
