The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to building a future-ready workforce by prioritizing technical training and digital job creation for Nigerian youth, who make up nearly 70% of the country’s population.
The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani disclosed this on Wednesday when he paid a visit to inspect the building situated in Jos, Plateau State.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government plans to transform the Joseph Gomwalk House, also known as Standard Building, in Jos into a business process outsourcing (BPO) hub.
According to him the initiative aims to boost youth employment and advance Nigeria’s digital economy.
He disclosed that President has directed him to drive inclusive programmes that equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the global digital economy
According him one of the flagship initiatives under this directive is the 3,000,000 Technical Talent Programme. The programme is already training millions of Nigerian youth in critical digital and technical skills.
However, he emphasized that training alone is not enough—creating employment pathways is equally important. This is where Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) becomes a strategic opportunity.
As part of efforts to accelerate job creation, the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to establish BPO hubs across the country.
Plateau State, Tijani said, has emerged as a key partner in this initiative due to its youthful, English-proficient population and improving digital infrastructure. These qualities make the state an ideal location for global outsourcing services.
During a recent visit to Plateau State, Dr. Tijani inspected the historic Standard Building to evaluate its potential for conversion into a BPO hub. “The goal,” he explained, “is to work with the Plateau State Government to refurbish this iconic structure and transform it into a modern workspace for companies ready to hire young Nigerians for outsourced digital roles.”
While noting that Plateau is not the only state being considered, the minister clarified that the initiative is part of a broader federal strategy to ensure that all regions benefit from Nigeria’s expanding digital economy. Plateau, however, stands out for its strong educational system, trainable workforce, and the proactive leadership of the state governor.
“The ‘Time is Now’ administration in Plateau is visibly committed to restoring the state’s historical relevance and unlocking its potential,” Dr. Tijani stated.
“That kind of forward-thinking leadership is exactly what the Federal Government is looking for as we aim to build a $1 trillion economy.”
In addition to job creation, the Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to improve digital connectivity, especially in underserved rural areas across the state.
Many of these communities currently lack reliable internet access, which restricts their participation in the digital economy. The government’s plan includes expanding telecom infrastructure to connect these regions and empower sectors like agriculture and education.
Dr. Tijani also underscored the security benefits of greater connectivity. “Unconnected regions often become hideouts for bad actors,” he noted. “Once we bridge these gaps with infrastructure, we will not only boost economic inclusion but also strengthen governance and improve security. Plateau State can be a model for national digital transformation.”
“We want to provide proper technical training for our young people because, as you know, we’re an extremely youthful country, about 70% of our population is under the age of 30. For us, it’s a priority to ensure that we provide meaningful job opportunities for these young people.
“While we’ve done extremely well with our three Million Technical Talent programme, which focuses on training three million young people across the country, it’s also important that we find avenues to help them secure jobs. That’s why we’re in conversation with the governor of Plateau State to see how we can accelerate the introduction of Business Process Outsourcing jobs here.
“Companies all over the world are looking to outsource job opportunities. Historically, they’ve done this with countries like India. But Nigeria has an advantage, we’re well-positioned to handle many of these jobs. That’s the direction we’re heading in.
The State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, alongside that of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, and that of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Sylvanus Dongtoe took the Minister on the inspection.
Ramnap said, “We are grateful for this initiative and for having Plateau State in focus, and we also appreciate the Minister for all he is doing.
“We just had the opportunity to interact with some of the young people he has empowered previously, and this project is truly a step in the right direction for us.”
