ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has stated that Nigeria’s true wealth is rooted in creativity and determination, not crude oil.
He noted that his administration is committed to developing the skills of citizens to propel the nation into its next stage of economic growth.
Speaking at the 3MTT National Impact Summit held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, he described the Three Million Technical Talent programme as a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda and a pathway toward building a trillion-dollar economy powered by innovation and productivity.
Tinubu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for a digital workforce that will power Nigeria’s next chapter of growth and shared prosperity.
“Nigeria’s most valuable resource is not oil or minerals, but the creativity, determination and potential of our people,” he said, stressing that leading nations intentionally invest in the capabilities of their young population.
According to the President, digital skills now drive growth across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, and public service, gradually repositioning Nigeria from merely consuming technology to becoming a creator that exports talent and solutions.
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He attributed the programme’s success to its evolution “from concept to nationwide impact,” highlighting over 1.8 million applications from all local government areas, jobs created, start-ups launched, and solutions developed across all 36 states and the FCT, ensuring opportunities extend beyond major cities.
Tinubu commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for effectively driving the programme, and also recognised the contribution of private-sector and development partners.
The private-sector partners include IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, UNDP, and the European Union.
While acknowledging the progress, he emphasised the need for expansion and continuity, stating, “From inception, 3MTT was designed to scale and to drive sustained transformation of digital and technical skills across the country.”
He further explained that fulfilling the vision requires “continued collaboration and shared commitment from government, industry and the development community.”
Delivering a direct message to young Nigerians, Tinubu said, “Through initiatives like 3MTT, we are building genuine platforms for progress, not ceremonial commitments.”
He added that the Nigeria his government envisions “must be powered by skilled hands, guided by innovative thinking and driven by a generation ready to work, create and lead,” assuring that the administration remains committed to the programme’s expansion.
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Tinubu also said the initiative is rebuilding confidence among young citizens “that they have a place in the global digital economy and a future they can shape with their own skills.”
The Three Million Technical Talent programme serves as the Federal Government’s principal digital-skills pipeline, overseen by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Launched in 2023, the programme seeks to train and place three million Nigerians in market-ready technology roles over multiple cohorts through a national network of community hubs and online learning platforms across the 36 states and the FCT.
According to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijjani, the aim is to expand Nigeria’s digital workforce, enhance productivity, and move the country from being a consumer of technology to becoming a producer and exporter of tech talent.
He noted that 3MTT offers structured tracks software engineering, data (analysis/science), product management, UI/UX, cloud, cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, game development, IoT, and related fields delivered through a fellows-and-facilitators model, industry-aligned curricula, and work pathways such as internships, apprenticeships, and job matching.