Shettima leads ‘hire from Nigeria’ drive at UNGA

Vice President Kashim Shettima will spearhead a joint initiative by the Nigerian government and private sector to promote the country's workforce to potential global employers ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, according to a statement from the Hire From Nigeria team. The event, themed 'Impact Sourcing As A Driver Of Global Trade And Inclusive Job Creation,' aims to connect Nigerian talent with international demand across various sectors.

Shettima is scheduled to address the session, emphasizing Nigeria's potential as a hub for outsourcing services. The forum, themed 'Setting the global trade and impact sourcing context; Nigeria’s positioning as the next outsourcing frontier,' will feature senior government officials, state governors, and technology and private-sector leaders.

Attendees include representatives such as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, and Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission Bisoye Coker-Odusote.

Hired From Nigeria, a campaign launched by Shettima in 2024, seeks to translate Nigeria's talent into increased global trade participation. The initiative builds on the national launch of Hire from Nigeria in Abuja earlier this year, where leaders committed to connecting Nigerian professionals with global demand. The UNGA side event marks the campaign's first major international push.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole stressed the priority of turning Nigeria's talent into greater global trade participation, highlighting the potential for connecting Nigerian professionals with international demand. The Minister also urged diaspora Nigerians to contribute to the country's development.