Nigeria spending billions of dollars annually to import skilled, certified technicians – FG

The Federal Government says it is working to bridge the knowledge gap in skilled and certified technicians.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.

He said it was worrisome that Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually to import skilled and certified technicians from other countries, including neighbouring ECOWAS countries.

Nnaji said this when he visited Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.

He lamented the dearth of skilled and certified craftsmen and technicians at the various sectors of the economy.

The Minister acknowledged that, “there are many talented technicians across the country, but those are not certified according to international best practices, making them lose job opportunities to skilled and certified craftsmen and technicians from other countries, especially when the hiring company is multinational.

“Being talented is one thing, but multinational companies go for skilled workers with requisite trade test qualifications and international certifications.

“I come here with a message of hope from our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as his administration works hard to resolve the various problems facing Nigeria, including unemployment and underemployment.”

He added that the Federal Government was working towards creating a Tech Ecosystem of international standard “to equip Nigerians with necessary skills and opportunities in the technology-driven world of today.”

Earlier in his welcome speech, the President of the Computer Village Traders Union, Prince Anthony Nwakaeze, appreciated the Minister’s commitment to carry along all stakeholders in the tech sector.