Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has highlighted Nigeria's significant annual expenditure on importing skilled technicians, even from neighboring West African countries. Speaking at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of the collaboration between his ministry and Computer Village, Nnaji expressed concern over the lack of skilled and certified craftsmen and technicians in the country. He noted that while Nigeria has talented technicians, many are not certified according to international best practices, leading to the preference for skilled and certified technicians from other countries, particularly in multinational hiring scenarios.
Nnaji referenced Dangote Refinery as an example, noting that the company often outsources welding works and imports welders with certifications and trade test qualifications. He delivered a message of hope from President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the administration's efforts to address unemployment and underemployment. In December, the government launched a National Welding Policy as a step toward standardizing welding practices and ensuring that welders acquire relevant skills and certifications to improve their job prospects.
President of Computer Village Traders Union, Anthony Nwakaeze, commended the minister for his commitment to engaging stakeholders in the technology sector. Nwakaeze praised Nnaji as the first minister to visit Computer Village and acknowledged his efforts to involve traders in decision-making processes. He expressed optimism that the collaboration between the ministry and Computer Village would lead to the desired outcomes of job creation and empowerment for Nigerians.
