ABUJA, August 31, 2026 — The Federal Government has launched the “Hire from Nigeria” Campaign, an initiative designed to position Nigeria as a leading global source of skilled professionals, digital talent and remotely delivered services.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday at the official press conference for the campaign held at Radio House, Abuja.
Idris said the initiative represents a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to exports, noting that the global economy is increasingly driven not only by physical goods but also by knowledge, skills, creativity and professional services.
He said Nigeria possesses significant advantages for competing in the global talent economy, including its large youthful population, growing pool of skilled professionals, entrepreneurial culture, English-language proficiency, favourable time zone and expanding technology and creative industries.
However, the Minister stressed that talent alone was insufficient, as Nigeria must also effectively communicate its capabilities to the rest of the world and build confidence in the quality of its professionals and businesses.
He said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would deploy its communication platforms, agencies and partnerships to give the campaign strong visibility locally and internationally.
According to him, the campaign will speak directly to global employers, investors and businesses, showcasing Nigeria as “open for business” and home to talented people capable of competing, collaborating and contributing to the international marketplace.
The Minister also urged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities created by the digital economy, stressing that geographical location should no longer prevent them from participating in the global workforce.
“A young Nigerian does not have to leave the country to participate in the global economy,” Idris said, adding that with the right skills, infrastructure, professional standards and access to markets, Nigerians could live and work at home while serving clients and employers worldwide.
He said the model would generate foreign exchange inflows, increase tax revenues and strengthen Nigeria’s skills and knowledge base.
Idris described the initiative as a practical expression of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on job creation, economic diversification, skills development, global integration and youth empowerment.
He disclosed that the Federal Government’s broader talent and services export strategy targets the creation of one million export-linked jobs within five years.
The “Hire from Nigeria” Campaign is being driven through a public-private partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Education, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), Bank of Industry’s iDICE programme, and other domestic and international private-sector partners.
Idris said the campaign would be globally launched during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, providing Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its human capital to the international community.
He called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, training institutions and employers, technology companies and young professionals, as well as Nigerian talent and international markets.
“The future of Nigeria’s economy will increasingly be driven by the talent, creativity, skills and productivity of our people,” the Minister said.
He summed up the campaign’s message in three words: “Nigeria is ready to compete on the global stage. Nigerian talent is ready to work. And the world should look to Nigeria.”
Idris commended the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the NATEP team, Tech-for-Dev, iDICE and other partners for their efforts, urging stakeholders to ensure that “Hire from Nigeria” evolves beyond a campaign into a lasting global platform for discovering and engaging Nigerian talent.
