3MTT Central To Nigeria’s Economic Development Strategy – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, introduced by his government, has made significant contributions to the Nigerian economy under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President made this known when he delivered his keynote address during the 3MTT National Impact Summit at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, stressing that the programme is central to Nigeria’s economic strategy.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, along with other stakeholders, to assess the progress made in just over two years.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu noted that the programme places human capital development at its core, especially investment in rapid technological change, adding that it has become necessary to invest purposefully in the skills of the young population.

He noted that his ambition to build a one trillion-dollar economy requires productivity, innovation and a workforce whose skills meet global standards, saying that Nigeria’s most valuable resource is not oil or minerals, but the creativity, determination and potential of its people.

He said, “3MTT Programme will unlock opportunity, empower young people and strengthen our long-term economic prospects.

“This programme shows what is possible with focus and disciplined execution. From over 1.8 million applications submitted by every local government in the country, to the creation of new jobs, the formation of startups, and the development of solutions, 3MTT has evolved from concept to nationwide impact across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Opportunity is no longer limited to major cities.

“Digital skills now underpin growth across every primary sector of our economy, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and public service.

“A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise and positions Nigeria to participate competitively in the global marketplace. More importantly, it shifts our role in the world from passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent.”

The President also recognised the private sector and development partners who have given the programme depth and credibility. Some of them include: IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, in his remarks, said the programme was in line with the reforms of the Tinubu administration so that the average Nigerian can feel the impact in the digital economy sector.

The Minister explained that the programme was launched in October 2023, “with the sole purpose of training 3 million people on technical talents not just for the Nigerian market but for the world.    With over 60% of our population under the age of 30, we are in a good position to become a net exporter of talent. ”

He said that 30,000 people were trained in the first phase with the help of partners, adding that it has already generated 15,000 direct jobs and people are already earning N250,000 as salaries.