FG Unveils New Move To Tackle Youth Unemployment

The federal government has introduced a fresh initiative aimed at reducing unemployment among young people, as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) announced a new partnership with InnoPower Africa.

The collaboration will link young Nigerian professionals to remote job opportunities in diaspora-owned companies across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Arewa, revealed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with InnoPower Africa in Abuja.

She said, “NIDCOM is proud to champion this initiative that embodies our core mandate: mobilising the Nigerian diaspora as active participants in solving our nation’s challenges.”

According to her, “Nigerians abroad are employers, mentors, and champions who can directly create opportunities for their brothers and sisters at home.”

The founder of InnoPower Africa, Emil Ekiyor, explained that the partnership would build a full ecosystem involving top Nigerian institutions, including ITANA, to support the recruitment and deployment of skilled Nigerian youths globally through a secure digital business zone.

He stated that the initiative also collaborates with the University of Lagos’ African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence for Unemployment and Skills Development, as well as the National Talent Export Program. These bodies will provide training in technical skills, professional communication and remote work standards.

He said, “Nigerian talents are world-class, innovative, and ready to deliver exceptional value to businesses globally. What has been missing is not capability: it is access, preparation, and connection to opportunities.”

He added that by working with NIDCOM and talent ecosystem partners, they are creating the structure needed to make Nigerian professionals visible and competitive in international markets where their skills are in high demand.

Ekiyor noted that the programme will begin with a paid internship scheme at the University of Lagos, offering outstanding students the chance to gain international work experience.

He also explained that diaspora-owned businesses listed in the NIDCOM database would receive a major discount on their first year of services if they employ a Nigerian professional for at least one year, pointing out the benefits to business owners.

He said the initiative would give university students a pathway into the global workforce by helping them acquire practical experience, develop international business skills, and move seamlessly into full-time remote roles after graduation.

Ekiyor added, “At the core of this initiative is Fast Track Virtual at www.fasttrackvirtual.com, which is InnoPower’s talent placement platform that offers thorough vetting, extensive skills training, cultural competency development, and continuous quality assurance for both professionals and students seeking international work experience.”