Unemployment – FG Targets Youths Through Talent City Initiative

The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to address youth unemployment through the newly launched Talent City initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).

At the official unveiling of the DBI Talent City in Lagos, the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized that the program aligns with the administration’s commitment to creating millions of technology-based jobs for Nigerian youths. He highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “This can be quickly achieved if everyone comes together to support the initiative,” while stressing the crucial role of the private sector in ensuring its success.

Tijani added, “The President made it very clear when I came into office that he would commit efforts and resources to create one million technology jobs. For anyone following global developments today, it’s clear that there is no world without technology. While many developed countries face a shortage of tech talent due to aging populations and declining birth rates, Nigeria—with an average age of 16.9 years—has a youthful population ready to serve as the future workforce globally.”

The Talent City initiative is described as a national flagship program aimed at establishing a network of integrated campuses that will transform underutilized public and private infrastructure into high-productivity digital hubs.

President of DBI, David Daser, described the project as a turning point. “This marks the first collaboration between the Ministry and DBI that directly supports one of the President’s major priorities—employment and jobs for Nigerian youth,” he said.

Daser further noted that the DBI, as Nigeria’s foremost ICT and innovation training institution, is now positioned to unlock large-scale economic opportunities. “Talent City is not just about jobs,” he said. “It creates a unique value proposition. Our graduates will now have immediate access to opportunities, right here on our campuses.”

He concluded by reaffirming DBI’s commitment to helping the federal government position Nigeria as a global hub for digital excellence and innovation in West Africa.