Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced Nigeria’s aim to generate one million job opportunities for youth in the digital industry. The statement was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Republic of Korea, led by Jang Sungmin, the special envoy to the Korean President Yoon Yeol. The bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Korea, built on mutual trust and cooperation, formed the backdrop of their discussion.
Shettima acknowledged the significant presence of Korean companies in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector where six LNG trains were constructed by Korean firms. Expressing Nigeria’s commitment to a robust partnership, he highlighted the need to learn from Korea’s success story, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture. He praised Korea’s transformation from a nation with a GDP comparable to African countries in the 1950s and 1960s to its current status as a developed nation, attributing it to strong leadership and commitment.
Recognizing Nigeria’s advantageous position as a young nation with a large proportion of its population below the age of 35, Shettima stressed the importance of technology and digital skills training. He emphasized Nigeria’s potential to address the projected global talent deficit in technology by 2030, citing India’s success in earning $120 billion from global outsourcing last year. Shettima expressed a desire to collaborate with Korea in technology and digital skills training to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.
The Vice President also pledged to create a conducive environment for Korean businesses and other foreign investors to operate in Nigeria. He acknowledged Korea’s consistent support for Nigeria in international forums and expressed Nigeria’s commitment to reciprocate by supporting Korean businesses in the country.
Sungmin, the special envoy from Korea, reiterated his country’s continued support for Nigeria in various sectors. He highlighted the potential for Korea’s collaboration with Nigeria to drive the fourth industrial revolution.
PHOTOCREDIT: Thecable
