FG Engages Saudi Arabia, UK, US, Others to Create Jobs for Nigerians
The Federal Government of Nigeria is ramping up efforts to tackle unemployment by seeking international partnerships aimed at creating job opportunities for citizens. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed that discussions are at advanced stages with countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with one of these nations, while negotiations continue with the others.
According to Dingyadi, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to equip Nigerians with relevant skills, promote modern vocational training, and foster mutually beneficial international collaborations.
“We are not just training Nigerians for export; we are preparing them to represent our country well and to ensure we benefit from their work abroad, both financially and otherwise,” he stated.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment is prioritizing training in areas aligned with global trends, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and green energy. These programs are designed to provide Nigerians with skills that are monetizable and adaptable to the digital economy.
Recent economic diplomacy efforts have already yielded results. Saudi Arabia’s $1.2 billion investment in Olam Agri through the Saudi Agricultural Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) is expected to generate direct employment opportunities within Nigeria. Finance Minister Wale Edun noted that such investments reflect the government’s economic reforms and the stabilization of Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment.
The Federal Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to creating a fair and competitive work environment.
Dingyadi clarified that the newly approved National Industrial Relations Policy does not criminalize strike actions but emphasizes dialogue between workers, employers, and government to prevent prolonged industrial disputes.
Through these initiatives, the government aims not only to reduce unemployment but also to position the Nigerian workforce to compete effectively in an increasingly digital and interconnected global economy.
