Nigeria’s rising influence in the global workforce came into sharp focus at the 2025 Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship Programme in Abuja.
The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, said the country has become the world’s highest exporter of labor—thanks to its rapidly growing, highly skilled population of young people.
According to him, Nigeria’s youth are no longer a demographic statistic; they now form a powerful global force shaping development across continents.
The Gazette News (Nigeria) gathered that the statement sparked enthusiasm among participants at the ongoing programme, who viewed the message as both a validation and a challenge.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the NTAC DG described Nigeria’s young population as energetic, creative, and increasingly indispensable to global development.
He explained that this demographic advantage has positioned Nigeria as a crucial source of manpower for many parts of the world—from Africa to the Caribbean and the Pacific.
This, he noted, is a central reason Nigeria continues to play a key role in international development through technical assistance.
The event took place over the weekend, drawing hundreds of Fellows, resource persons, and senior government officials.
Yakub used the opportunity to take the audience through the history and achievements of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps—a body established to share Nigeria’s professional expertise with countries in need.
He emphasised that the service of Nigerian volunteers abroad is not only an act of solidarity but also a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy.
As he put it,
“Across the world, the concept of soft power diplomacy is mainly exemplified in the quest by nations of the world to attract friendship and respect and to win influence by every means other than coercion.”
He explained that Nigeria’s growing global appeal is not accidental but the result of decades of cultural and professional contributions.
From sports to Afrobeat, Nollywood, fashion, and humanitarian service, Nigerians continue to leave memorable marks.
He added that through NTAC, the country has extended this influence even further, helping foreign governments train workers, strengthen institutions, and solve technical problems.
He noted,
“Through sports, music, films, our clothing and, indeed, by other diverse kinds of service like volunteering in education, engineering, health management and development mediation, Nigeria has continued to deepen its influence, respect and friendship across the world.”
To illustrate this further, he highlighted how NTAC volunteers now serve as Vice Chancellors, senior government officials, and technical experts in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
According to him, the dedication of these volunteers—supported by the President—has made many of these countries strong allies of Nigeria in global affairs.
Yakub pointed to the achievements of well-known Nigerian global leaders as proof of this rising influence, saying,
“All of this has helped in ensuring that our citizens, like Okonjo-Iweala of the World Trade Organization, Amina Mohammed of the United Nations, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina of the African Development Bank and many other Nigerian-born global actors are constantly supported to emerge leaders of multilateral organizations any time the opportunity to bring in these leaders arises.”
He also explained that NTAC volunteers do not return home empty-handed.
According to him, the two-year international experience equips them with advanced skills and a broader worldview that boosts their confidence and competitiveness in the global labour market.
“On their own, our Volunteers and experts achieve a wide range of benefits each time they leave the shores of our nation to practise their act for two years and return. They return more experienced and equipped to favourably compete with their fellow professionals anywhere in the world,” Yakub said.
The Gazette News (Nigeria) learnt that his remarks resonated strongly with the young participants who already see themselves as part of Nigeria’s next generation of global influencers.
Many of them described the NTAC DG’s message as both inspiring and affirming.
Earlier in the programme, Dr. Dapo Oyewole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Co-operation and Secretary, Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), welcomed the resource persons.
They included Dr. Ochogwu Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Mrs. Simi Fajemirokun, Senior Special Assistant in the Central Delivery Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Oyewole praised NTAC for being a committed partner of the LMI since inception.
He remarked that the DG has consistently supported the initiative with his time, expertise, and resources, contributing to the transformation of NTAC and its growing impact on national development.
Dr. Ochogwu, in his remarks, shared insights into Nigeria’s long history of peacekeeping and mediation across Africa and beyond.
He pointed out that these interventions have been costly in financial terms, but their contributions to peace and stability remain priceless.
He applauded Nigeria’s commitment to humanitarian service, describing it as a legacy of sacrifice and global solidarity that continues to save lives.
The event also celebrated the recent success of the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), coordinated by Mrs. Fajemirokun.
Participants noted that the summit stood out for its seamless organisation, vibrant participation, and impactful outcomes.
The programme provided dozens of government agencies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the chance to showcase their contributions to regional development and diplomatic cooperation.
As the programme progressed, speakers paid glowing tribute to the Founder of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.
Many credited him for sustaining the initiative with personal resources and for his mission to train one young Nigerian from every state and the FCT each year.
His vision, they said, has helped hundreds of youths gain clarity, confidence, and readiness for leadership roles in public service.
This year’s cohort of LMI Mentees, selected from over 7,000 applicants aged 21 to 35, reflects the same optimism. Organisers say the programme is designed to build a new generation of young Nigerians who understand governance, appreciate public service, and are prepared to shape the future.
By the end of their three-week training, participants are expected to leave with stronger leadership capacity and a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s legislative environment.
The 2025 edition has already been described as one of the most engaging since the creation of the LMI, combining mentorship, networking, policy discussions, and hands-on learning. And with NTAC’s renewed commitment to partnering with the programme’s mentees, young Nigerians now have even more opportunities to deploy their skills globally.
This report was produced by the editorial team at The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World in line with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Information in this article is based on verified sources available at the time of publication. The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World may update the story as new facts emerge or additional context becomes available.
The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World accepts zero funding from governments, corporations, or political parties. No advertiser dictates our coverage. No political interest shapes our investigations. The journalism you just read exists because readers like you chose to protect it. Every contribution goes directly into the field — paying reporters, protecting sources, and ensuring the stories that matter get told without fear or favour.
Funded by Readers
Us Right Now
