FG launches foreign jobs initiative to enhance opportunities for Nigerian Youths

The Federal government has launched a foreign jobs initiative designed to provide young Nigerians with remote employment opportunities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address unemployment by connecting Nigerian talent with overseas businesses owned by the diaspora.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) announced this initiative after partnering with InnoPower Africa in Abuja. During the signing event, NIDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri Erewa emphasized the commission’s dedication to empowering Nigerian youths through the support of expatriates.

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She highlighted that Nigerians abroad are already engaged as employers and mentors, capable of creating valuable opportunities for young professionals in Nigeria.

Emil Ekiyor, the founder of InnoPower Africa, explained that this partnership aims to establish a comprehensive talent pipeline linking Nigerian educational institutions with global companies. This ecosystem will involve ITANA and other prominent entities that will facilitate recruitment and deployment through a secure digital business environment.

The initiative will also collaborate with the University of Lagos’ African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence for Unemployment and Skills Development, as well as the National Talent Export Programme, to provide top-notch training in technical skills, communication, and best practices for remote work.

Ekiyor pointed out that Nigerian youth possess the talent and potential to succeed on a global scale, noting that the main barriers have been access and adequate preparation. He stated that the partnership with NIDCOM and other allies will enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Nigerian professionals in international markets.

The program will begin with a paid internship at the University of Lagos, allowing exceptional students to work with international firms and gain practical experience. Ekiyor mentioned that businesses listed in NIDCOM’s diaspora database will qualify for a discount on their first-year service fees when they hire a Nigerian professional for an entire year.

The aim is to facilitate a seamless transition for students from academic studies to full-time remote employment while equipping them with essential global business skills.

Central to this initiative is Fast Track Virtual, InnoPower’s talent placement platform, which conducts thorough vetting, intensive skills training, cultural orientation, and ongoing quality assessments for young professionals seeking international job exposure.