BREAKING: Nigeria’s economic future at risk without investment in local skills

Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has cautioned that Nigeria’s economic progress will remain stagnant unless the country reduces its dependence on imports and prioritizes local production.

Speaking at the media launch of the Nigeria Talents Exploration Challenge (NTEC) in Abuja over the weekend, Masari stressed that strengthening the naira, making energy more affordable, and achieving sustainable development require a shift toward domestic production.

“You can never make progress with importation. Your currency can never have meaning with importation. Your energy needs will never be affordable if they are totally dependent on what comes from outside,” he stated.

Masari underscored the role of technical education in long-term economic stability, citing past efforts in Katsina State, where over 10,000 youths were trained in vocational skills.

He emphasized that empowering young people through skills development is essential for Nigeria’s future.

The NTEC, which began in Katsina, has now expanded nationwide, reflecting a broader push for skills-based education.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including NTEC National Coordinator Arc. Faisal Jaafaru Rafindadi and NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje, both of whom highlighted the critical role of technical and vocational skills in driving economic transformation.

Rafindadi described NTEC as a strategic initiative to harness local talent and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, while Prof. Bugaje noted Nigeria’s increasing role in global skills development following its 2024 admission into World Skills International.

Bugaje expressed optimism that the competition would open doors for Nigerian talents to gain international recognition.

He added, “Africa is full of talent, and Nigeria, as the continent’s most populous nation, must take the lead. Winners of the talent hunt will have the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the World Skills Africa competition in Zambia in 2025 and the World Skills International event in South Korea in 2026.”