Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has launched the Outsource To Nigeria Initiative in Gombe State
He also inaugurated the Business Process Outsourcing Centre, where about 2,000 job opportunities would be created for vibrant and talented youths in the State.
Speaking during the official launch of the initiative on Monday March 4, 2024, VP Shettima said the initiative was aimed at positioning Nigeria as the top destination for large companies seeking operational optimization.
He explained that the initiative would connect global companies with the abundant talents and capabilities inherent in the country
According to him, the outsourcing initiative symbolizes a pivotal alliance, collaboration between the public and private sector, as well as a mission to produce millions of job opportunities, which would propel Nigeria’s Business Process Outsourcing.
The Vice President added that the initiative would propel Nigeria’s Information Technology (IT) enabled services sector into unprecedented growth, saying it marks a strategic leap forward in positioning Nigeria as an emerging outsourcing powerhouse ready to make an indelible mark on the global economic landscape.
VP Shettima said the initiative spearheaded the holistic advancement of the outsourcing ecosystem, as well as fosters the development of cutting-edge BPO facilities and provides incentives for the private sector.
He further explained that outsourcing was also a strategy to counteract brain drain and channel the talents and skills into reconstructing a Nigeria that worked, stressing that the spotlight will now turn to Nigeria, a nation with an abundance of talent, a competitive cost structure, a rapidly improving Information Communication Technolgy (ICT) infrastructure and a strategically advantageous location.
“Now is our time to carve our own narrative within the global BPO landscape. Now, indeed, is our chance to contribute not only to our economic expansion but also to solidifying our role as a key player in the international business arena,” VP Shettima said.
He therefore called on global business leaders and partners to join Nigeria in utilising the avenue created by the Outsource Initiative to serve their mutual interests.
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Business Processing Outsource Centre being commissioned was one of the gains of the first Gombe Investment Summit, which was held in October 2022.
Governor Yahaya said that his government had donated one of its skill acquisition centres and provided about N1 billion in funding for equipping the facility, in its commitment to leveraging on information technology and digital economy to harness the creative energies of our youth.
He said the facility would accommodate 2000 individuals, representing a monumental opportunity for job creation and skill development, particularly for the youths of Gombe State.
“In the rapidly-changing landscape of our 21st-century economy, where digital literacy and technological proficiency are paramount, the center will serve as a hub of innovation and learning. Through specialized training programs and hands-on experience in areas such as customer service, platform management, technical support, digital marketing, research and analytics, our youths will acquire invaluable skills that are in high demand in today’s global marketplace,” Governor Yahaya explained
He said the launch of the Outsource To Nigeria Initiative was a testament to the state’s growing potential and the exemplary strides made in fostering an enabling environment for technology innovation and economic growth.
Governor Yahaya affirmed his government commitment to creating a conducive ecosystem for investment and innovation, which underscored the dedication to leveraging on digital economy as a catalyst for socioeconomic development.
“By taking bold initiatives to improve infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes, and promote digital literacy, we have positioned Gombe as a beacon of opportunity and innovation in Nigeria, thus attracting both domestic and international attention,” said Governor Yahaya.
He stated that the partnership with Outsource Global highlights the tangible support the state was willing to provide to businesses that choose to invest in Gombe State.
Governor Yahaya said the Business Process Outsourcing centre represented one facet of the comprehensive strategy to harness the talents and aspirations of the youth, empower communities, and build a prosperous future for all.
He said it was evident that challenges of limited access to fiber connectivity and reliable power infrastructure, had continued to hinder the progress towards a broader vision of leveraging on digital innovation to deliver growth and prosperity.
The Gombe State Governor appealed for increased federal and international development assistance to address the critical infrastructure gaps in the North East, as well as bridged the divides and enabled the zone unlock the full potential of digital innovation and propel Gombe and the entire sub region towards greater prosperity and inclusivity.
He added the Gombe State Government was committed to setting clear milestones and targets for the Business Process Outsourcing centre project in collaboration with Outsource Global to ensure that the partnership yielded maximum benefits for our people.
“By establishing measurable goals related to job creation, skill development, and economic impact, we will create a roadmap for success and hold ourselves accountable to delivering tangible results. Regular evaluations and assessments will be conducted to measure progress against these targets, allowing us to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed to optimize the project’s impact,” said Governor Yahaya.
