Connect with us

News

Workers To Earn Salaries In Dollars In Nigeria As FG Signs MoU With US

Published

on

The federal government has advanced its drive for job creation as it has signed a deal that will enable 50,000 Nigerians to work for foreign firms and earn in dollars.

The move is in the advancement of the one million jobs promised to Nigerians during the launch of the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite disclosed on Monday at the signing of the MoU between NATEP and Cybersecurity Institute at Lab Four that the 50,000 jobs would earn the government an estimated $1.2bn annually for 3 years.

The jobs are in different categories such as telesales, customer service, virtual administrative assistance, marketing social media assistance and tech/cybersecurity.

Advertisement

The federal government in September 2024 launched the NATEP, an initiative targeted at creating a pool of talent that will make the country a force in the global talent-sourcing industry valued at $620bn.

The industry is expected to hit $1tn by 2027.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration sees the NATEP as an avenue to tap into the industry in order to shore up Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

During the launch of the programme at the sideline of the UN 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last year, Uzoka-Anite, the minister, revealed how the initiative will position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing in Africa following the example of India, Bangladesh, Mexico and The Philippines.

Advertisement

At the signing of the MoU and the launch of the ‘NATEP Strategy’, the trade minister explained that the 50,000 jobs which have been attracted show that Nigeria is blessed with human resources.

She said, “With a youthful population and about 3 million graduates from Nigerian universities every year, we are very optimistic that we have what it takes to support this industry.

“As a country, we have a significant value proposition for regional and global markets for the export of services.
“It has been estimated that by 2030, around 35 million jobs will remain unfilled globally due to skill shortages resulting in a loss of about $8.5tn. Nigeria has a large youthful and skilful population that can take advantage of this in a way that can take advantage in a way that can significantly benefit our economy.

“These jobs generated through this partnership have the potential to annually attract up to $1.2bn into the Nigerian economy and this is through remunerations to the employed persons and in addition $60m for the business process outsourcing system through direct support to the individual Business Process Organisations (BPO).”

Advertisement

She noted that the ministry’s partnership with Lab Four will be one of the many partnerships that it will attract to ensure Nigeria becomes a global home for thriving micro, small and mega BPOs.

As the naira depreciates due to the foreign exchange crunch, the minister said beneficiaries of the programme would be able to hedge against depreciation of the naira which trades around N1,600 per dollar and inflation which rose to 31.7 per cent in February.

Anite said, “This is one of the solutions we have for tackling insecurity. Let me also add very importantly that they will be earning in dollars.

“So, this is a very big incentive especially when you have this hyper-inflationary environment. Anybody who can earn in dollars has his income guaranteed. It is more like inflation-proof. So that his earning power is higher and supported.
“I want people to apply. 50,000 jobs are just the beginning. This is the first MoU that we are signing. We have a 1 million target and I am sure we will surpass it. But I am sure we will surpass it.”

Advertisement

“We will also partner with state governments. We have a number of state governments that have indicated interest in supporting and participating in the programme.

“They have trained people already and these people don’t have jobs, so, those are likely going to be the first people that will take up and the state governments are also providing facilities for their citizens to go and work.”

On the launch of the National Strategy for NATEP, she said the programme has the potential to turn around the fortunes of the beneficiaries in the economy.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Lab Four, Tony Okhiria expressed excitement about the MoU which he described as a game changer for Nigeria.

Advertisement

Okhiria said, “We had a dream to sort of disrupt the natural BPO process which traditionally you set up a building and work with a corporation but we believe that works but there is an additional way to scale and get more.

“This is huge because it allows Nigeria to accelerate its talent export much quicker because now even businesses across the country can be developed which generates money for them. Also individuals can make money and take care of their families. Everybody deserves that. So, we are very excited to be part of the solution to that.”
The National Coordinator of NATEP, Dr Olufemi Adeluyi explained that the job is made for people with relevant skills. He added that applicants without relevant skills will be trained and supported to have the required skills.

Adeluyi said, “A large percentage of the jobs does not require very high skills. They are skills that we can train people for between two to three weeks for them to have the skills. We will match applicants to jobs and then the BPOs.”

He appealed for Nigerians to apply for the 50,000 available jobs in order to support the Nigerian economy.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Customs disolves border patrol team amidst smuggling, brutality allegations

Published

on

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the dissolution of its Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT).

The Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement Tuesday, said the decision was made after due consultation with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The House of Representatives had, on December 11, mandated its Committees on Customs and Excise, Defence, to investigate the operations and activities of the NCS across the nation’s borders over alleged complicity in aiding smuggling and involvement in brutality against Nigerians.

The committees were also directed to examine the role of military personnel attached to Customs patrols in order to ensure their operations comply with legal frameworks and human rights standards.

Advertisement

Foundation secures release of 40 inmates
Keep faith with Tinubu’s govt, Southern senators urge Nigerians
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Sesi Whingan who alleged that rather than prevent smuggling, recent reports showed that Customs’ personnel across the borders were aiding and abetting smuggling.

But the Customs spokesman explained yesterday that the dissolution of the joint border patrol team was part of the NCS’ efforts to strengthen border management and reinvigorate its 2025 enforcement strategy.

The JBPT, coordinated by the ONSA, evolved from an ex-swift response team to become a tripartite operation comprising Benin Republic, Niger Republic and Nigeria.

The patrol team was tasked with combating smuggling, irregular migration, and other transnational organised crimes along the nations’ borders, among others.

Advertisement

Maiwada said the team’s dissolution would not compromise border security or trade facilitation, but represents a significant step towards modernising Customs’ operations, improving trade compliance and strengthening national security.

The NCS said the move was part of the organisation’s ‘2025 enforcement strategy’.

“This strategy is aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade,” he said.

Maiwada also disclosed that Adewale Adeniyi, NCS Comptroller-General, had approved the reduction of customs checkpoints across the country to streamline its operations and to ease movement of goods and persons.

Advertisement

According to the statement, Adeniyi said the NCS would shift reliance to intelligence.

“Moving forward, customs operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness,” the statement quoted the CG as saying.

Continue Reading

News

Nigerians Are In Pains Because We Chose Darkness In Place Of Light — Bishop Kukah

Published

on

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has stated that Nigerians are pains because they refused to be liberated from “darkness.”

The priest said this in his Christmas message at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese on Tuesday night.

He emphasised that embracing transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service, politics, and individual conduct could significantly improve the country’s current state.

He said, “Nigeria’s lack of visible and measurable progress is tied to the fact that we have chosen darkness rather than light.

Advertisement

“Imagine if we let the light shine on our public service, on our politics, on our individual, community, and national life, and on our public institutions. Imagine what Nigeria would be like if we chose light instead of darkness.

“They will know we are Christians by our love,” highlighting that the country’s journey to greatness remains constrained by ethnicity, nepotism, and greed.

“We are still unable to embrace the ideals of our national anthem that says: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ Diversity is a gift from God. Let us use it effectively as a tool for national mobilization and cohesion,” he advised.

Kukah also lauded the passage of the “Not Too Young to Run Bill” in 2018, which opened doors for increased youth participation in politics.

Advertisement

However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges, such as the high costs of political participation and issues of internal democracy, which still hinder young people’s active engagement.

He also commended the enactment of the Student Loan Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund by the federal government.

These initiatives, he noted, have the potential to expand opportunities for Nigerian youth, including those pursuing vocational and technical skills.

“It is significant that the Act does not limit access to university students alone. We hope this project will be free of bureaucratic bottlenecks and favoritism, ensuring that poverty does not exclude anyone from receiving a good education,” Kukah said.

Advertisement

He encouraged the youth to take full advantage of these opportunities while also expressing concern about the ongoing security challenges in the country, which he described as a persistent obstacle to national stability.

Kukah, however, called on all Nigerians to choose the path of light, unity, and love, stressing that these values are essential for the nation’s progress and development.

Continue Reading

News

Omole celebrates christian faithful, says this is time for renewal of faith in nation and state

Published

on

As Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Foundation of christianity today, the Coordinator of the Osun PDP Dynamic Support Group, Comrade Omole Oluwasegun has called on Christians in Osun State and Nigerians as a whole to renew their faith in our country, insisting that our nation must be great again.

Omole noted that Nigeria is blessed with enormous material and human resources.

He said Nigerians should believe in the greatness of our nation and support the Government to achieve the required dividends.

He called on Christians to use the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ to rededicate themselves to the advancement of the ideals of nation building. He also called for prayers against societal ills such as terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Advertisement

Omole said Nigeria and its leaders need all the prayers and support at this time to positively change the fortunes of our fatherland.

“May this Christmas present for you an opportunity to renew and grow your faith in God and our nation, Nigeria. And may you and your family be blessed beyond measure”, he prayed.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News