By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria’s flagship Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme is receiving major backing from the European Union and the World Bank as the government ramps up efforts to equip young Nigerians with digital skills and connect them to global job markets.
The programme, led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aims to train three million people by 2027. Minister Bosun Tijjani described it as central to President Tinubu’s plan to create one million tech jobs and boost human capital.
Since its pilot launch in 2023, 3MTT has scaled up significantly. The EU has committed over €11 million, while the World Bank is evaluating the initiative’s broader impact.
Unlike past training schemes, 3MTT focuses on practical job placements, supported by partnerships with private firms and agencies like the UNDP, which funds participant internships.
To expand job opportunities, the government is launching Talent City—repurposing public buildings as outsourcing hubs, starting with the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos.
“We’re taking a data-driven approach. This is about real impact on lives,” said Tijjani, reinforcing the administration’s goal of building a globally competitive digital workforce.
