President Bola Tinubu has commended the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), and other partners for supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Project.
He made the commendation at the 3MTT National Summit 2025, organized by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, on Thursday in Abuja.
Launched in October 2023, the 3MTT Project received 1.8 million applications from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to close the country’s digital and technical skills gap.
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, said the initiative was designed to scale and sustain transformation in digital and technical skills across Nigeria, urging youth to remain focused on the larger goal.
He also commended private sector partners for giving 3MTT depth and credibility. “IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, the United Nations Development Programme, and the European Union have each played a part in moving this initiative forward. Achieving this vision requires continued collaboration and shared commitment from government, industry, and the development community, and this government remains fully committed to its growth and expansion,” he said.
In her remarks, UN Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, described the project as “reform over retreat, courage over comfort, and the future over the past.” She noted that through the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria had set in motion a national transition anchored on confidence, competitiveness, and opportunity for youth.
Eyong added: “It signals to the world that Nigeria’s youth are ready to shape the future. Nigeria’s digital economy is now being built with clarity and speed. When leadership meets courage, history changes. UNDP and the United Nations family are proud to be partners on this journey.”
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the EU’s contribution under the Global Gateway Strategy, saying it was aimed at leveraging investments rather than providing aid. “Our partnership is about creating jobs, prosperity, and empowering youth. Industry standards and certification opportunities also pave the way for stronger commercial and economic ties between the EU and Nigeria,” he said.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the first phase of the 3MTT project had produced 15,000 direct jobs with average earnings of over N250,000.
Tijani added: “These are actual jobs for trained participants. For some, their first job already offers over N250,000 in salary. For the future, we are banking on increased private sector collaboration to create more opportunities. Significant funding is required, and we must establish a strong endowment to sustain this programme.”
