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By Nana Theresa Timothy
In a groundbreaking move to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and address youth unemployment, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), in collaboration with Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS), has officially launched a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Centre and a Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Abuja.
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The state-of-the-art facilities aim to equip Nigerian youth with in-demand digital, customer support, and cybersecurity skills, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global BPO and tech talent market.
Driving Economic Transformation Through Digital Skills
The launch aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic focus on economic diversification, digital innovation, and youth empowerment. With the global BPO market projected to grow from $318.8 billion in 2024 to $688.2 billion by 2034, Nigeria is positioning itself to emerge as a major outsourcing destination in Africa, alongside global leaders like the Philippines, India, and Malaysia.
Tour of the New Digital Infrastructure
Guests at the launch event toured the dual facilities:
- BPO Centre: A modern, multi-shift facility equipped for customer service, telemarketing, content design, and backend digital services.
- Security Operations Centre (SOC): A high-tech cybersecurity lab designed to train professionals capable of protecting Nigeria’s digital assets and infrastructures.
DBI: From Learning to Livelihood
President and CEO of DBI, David Daser, emphasized the urgent need to move beyond traditional learning to real-world application:
“We are evolving from being a training institution to a job-creation engine. Through partnerships with healthcare, telecom, and finance sectors, we invite organizations to outsource services to our centre, creating jobs and delivering value,” said Daser.
He praised SBTS for their technical support, training expertise, and investment in Africa’s digital transformation.
SBTS: A Pan-African Vision for 100,000 Digital Jobs
Mr. Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS, said the Abuja centre is just the beginning.
“This is part of our vision to create 100,000 digital jobs in Africa by 2030. We are investing in infrastructure, global partnerships, and scalable training programs—Nigeria is central to this plan,” he noted.
Lewis also revealed that the Abuja-based BPO and SOC centres will attract international outsourcing contracts, providing foreign exchange inflow and contributing to Nigeria’s economic resilience.
Government Endorsement and Stakeholder Support
The launch drew stakeholders from across Nigeria’s ICT, digital innovation, and economic development sectors, including:
- Haruna Sani Sani, Director General of Nasarawa State IT and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), commended DBI’s continued support for youth employment in Nasarawa
- Dr. Ahmed, representing NITDA, emphasized the importance of virtual training tools for inclusivity in underserved and rural areas
- Mr. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, MD/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), expressed optimism about replicating the centres nationwide within the next year.
Infrastructure Built for Inclusion and Sustainability
Both centres feature:
- 24/7 electricity and high-speed internet
- Cybersecurity labs and real-time monitoring systems
- Telecom-equipped digital workspaces
- Virtual learning modules for remote learners across Nigeria
This ensures youth in remote areas are not left behind, fulfilling Nigeria’s digital inclusion goals.
A National Call to Action
The event ended with a unified call for collaboration from public and private stakeholders to scale the model across Nigeria.
“The time to act is now,” said Daser. “Let’s work together to transform Nigeria into a global hub for digital service delivery. This is how we build an inclusive and future-ready economy.”
Event Summary
- Project: Launch of BPO & Cybersecurity Training Centre
- Partners: Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) & Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS)
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Goal: Empower youth with digital jobs, attract global outsourcing contracts, reduce unemployment
- Vision: Position Nigeria among the top outsourcing destinations globally
