The executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has commended the ambitious Project Train 3M initiative put forth by the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
The project aims to enlist and train three million Nigerians over a span of four years, propelling the nation into the role of an exporter of digital skills.
Expressing his support for the programme in a recent address at the City Business News Summit in Lagos, Maida highlighted its potential to significantly expand Nigeria’s pool of technically-skilled individuals, making them more attractive to global employers seeking digital and technical expertise. He revealed that the programme had already garnered an impressive one million applicants, indicating a strong interest and enthusiasm among Nigerians for acquiring these essential skills.
Addressing the theme of the summit, ‘Repositioning Nigerian Economy through Telecommunications: 2023 and Beyond,’ Maida underscored the importance of embracing technological disruption and fostering innovation to drive sustainable growth, economic diversification, and improved living standards for all Nigerians.
Represented by the director of research and development at NCC, Ismail Adedigba, Maida elaborated on the vision behind the initiative. He emphasised the goal of positioning Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and a net exporter of talent. The initiative aims to deepen the country’s involvement in global research across key technology areas, significantly increase digital literacy, and create a pipeline of three million technical talents.
The NCC’s CEO acknowledged the ministry’s policy direction, driven by five pillars—policy, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and capital, trade, and knowledge. These pillars form the foundation of the Strategic Vision Plan (2023–2025) and guide efforts to harness the potential of the telecommunications sector for positive change in Nigeria.
Maida assured that the NCC remains committed to providing an enabling environment for critical infrastructure development, ensuring quality broadband connectivity, and efficient management of the nation’s spectrum resources. He encouraged collaboration and strategic partnerships with stakeholders to achieve the ambitious goals set out in the plan.
In conclusion, Maida urged Nigerians, particularly those in the media, to leverage the relevant aspects of these interventions. While the plans may seem ambitious, he expressed confidence that, through collective efforts and partnerships, they are achievable. The NCC’s support for Project Train 3M aligns with the broader vision of fostering a digitally skilled workforce and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global technology landscape.
