By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
The Federal Government has said it is repositioning Nigeria’s economy to turn the country’s growing pool of talent and ideas into businesses, jobs, exports and long-term investment opportunities.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the New Nigeria Festival, where he said the government was implementing reforms aimed at creating a more stable environment for investment and enterprise.
Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to expand opportunities for Nigerians to participate more actively in the economy.
He said the government’s approach was not only focused on generating ideas but also on providing the capital, skills, infrastructure, markets and business environment required to turn those ideas into sustainable enterprises.
According to him, Nigeria’s young population was already demonstrating significant capacity in technology, creative industries, digital services, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
“The challenge before us is therefore straightforward: we must move from ideas to execution, from talent to opportunity, and from opportunity to measurable results,” he said.
The Minister identified the Federal Government’s Hire From Nigeria campaign, launched in August, as part of efforts to connect Nigerian professionals, skilled workers, digital experts, creatives and service providers with international employers and markets.
He said the initiative represented a broader shift in the country’s approach to exports, noting that Nigeria must look beyond commodities and increasingly export knowledge, skills, creativity and professional services.
“We must also export knowledge, skills, creativity and professional services,” Idris said.
He also cited the Digital Training Academy, launched in September, as another initiative aimed at equipping Nigerians with digital skills and professional certifications required to compete in the global economy.
Idris urged participants at the festival to strengthen partnerships capable of transforming ideas and skills into viable businesses, employment opportunities, exports and practical solutions to national challenges.
