Nigeria is prioritising the development of local talent to drive industrial growth, moving away from its reliance on foreign expertise, Technical Operations Specialist Enemosah Aliyu said on Tuesday.

This shift comes as the government ramps up efforts to strengthen its workforce through initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, which aims to train three million professionals by 2027.

In a statement to PUNCH Online, Aliyu explained that the transformation of the country’s technical workforce is driven by a renewed focus on capacity building and skill development.

“As Nigeria pushes for energy efficiency, industrial independence, and technical resilience, it has become clear that long-term success must be built on local expertise,” Aliyu said.

“The reliance on expatriate advisors and outsourced training modules is gradually giving way to a more localized and strategic approach to workforce development.”

This shift aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic agenda, which prioritizes equipping professionals with the technical skills necessary to support critical sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.



Meanwhile, the government has outlined broader strategies for youth empowerment in 2025, including job creation, access to capital, entrepreneurship support, and the establishment of youth centers nationwide to foster innovation and engagement.

Industry leaders have called for increased investment in technical education and training programs to meet the evolving demands of the economy. Aliyu stressed the importance of public-private sector collaboration to accelerate skill development.

“A thriving industrial sector depends on a highly skilled workforce, and Nigeria must ensure that its training programs are tailored to industry needs,” he added.

Experts believe that strengthening local talent will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage while reducing the capital flight associated with foreign expertise.

Despite challenges such as funding constraints and outdated curricula, Aliyu remains optimistic that sustained policy support and industry partnerships will drive long-term transformation.


https://punchng.com/homegrown-talent-key-to-nigerias-industrial-growth-expert/