The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network, a strategic initiative aimed at closing the country’s skills gaps, boosting workforce productivity, and accelerating digital transformation across key sectors.
The initiative, launched in Lagos, is part of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Reskilling Revolution, co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Education, and coordinated by the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP). It also marks Nigeria’s formal entry into the WEF Global Accelerators Network.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a major milestone in connecting policy, industry, and education toward building a globally competitive workforce.
“The Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network represents a turning point in aligning employability, productivity, and inclusive economic growth,” Oduwole said. “It will serve as a unified platform for strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and innovation ecosystem.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to aligning education and vocational training with labour market realities.
According to him, the Accelerator will drive collaboration among government institutions, academia, the private sector, and civil society to co-create solutions for reskilling and upskilling Nigeria’s workforce.
“This initiative will ensure that Nigerian youths are equipped with future-ready skills, enabling them to compete globally,” Alausa stated.
NATEP National Coordinator, Teju Abisoye, said the Accelerator is designed to address the country’s talent gaps while positioning Nigeria as a key player in global talent export.
“We are not only preparing for the future of work but helping to define it,” Abisoye said.
She explained that the programme would prioritise digital and transferable skills development for emerging industries such as technology, business process outsourcing, and green enterprises, while promoting public-private partnerships to fund large-scale reskilling programmes.
The initiative will also introduce data-driven systems to anticipate future skills demand and guide evidence-based policymaking.
In her remarks, Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, commended Nigeria’s participation in the global skills initiative, describing it as a strong commitment to human capital development and innovation-driven growth.
“By investing in human capital, Nigeria is positioning itself to meet domestic workforce needs while contributing to global talent and innovation,” Zahidi said.
She noted that the Reskilling Revolution seeks to equip one billion people worldwide with better education, skills, and economic opportunities by 2030 through collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and educational institutions.
The Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network, stakeholders say, represents a critical step in diversifying the economy, driving innovation, and creating a globally competitive workforce capable of transforming Nigeria’s development trajectory.
