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The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has formalized a landmark four-party Human Capital Development Investment Agreement with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), SBTS Group LLC, and Peaceinvest. This is aimed at training and creating jobs for 50,000 Nigerians under a $150 million digital skills and employment initiative.
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Deal offers globally competitive digital training and job placements
The multi-year program, to be implemented across DBI campuses nationwide, will provide globally competitive digital training and job placements.It will focus on underserved youth and vulnerable populations.
This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It also complements the National NPower and 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiatives by promoting digital inclusion, employability, and economic resilience.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
- Peaceinvest will finance trainee tuition loans estimated at $150 million over 3 to 4 years for the initial cohort of 50,000.
- DBI is an ICT training institution established by the NCC and recognized by the ITU as a Centre of Excellence, It will deliver specialized digital and technical education across its campuses.
- SBTS Group is a U.S.-based tech and workforce development leader. It will implement its Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) to provide training, certification, and global job placements.
- ‘The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will offer strategic policy oversight, integrate the initiative into existing national programs like NPower, and ensure alignment with Nigeria’s human capital development priorities.
Transformative partnership to drive nationwide economic empowerment
At the MOU signing ceremony in Abuja, Minister Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda described the initiative as “a transformative partnership” to drive nationwide digital upskilling and economic empowerment.
“With SBTS deploying ICBM and DBI offering world-class ICT training, this is more than a training program. It’s a national movement to empower, include, and uplift,” said Prof. Yilwatda.
Project Deliverables
- Nationwide Training Hubs: Existing DBI campuses in Enugu and Kano will be upgraded, with additional centers in Lagos, Asaba, and Yola planned.
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Centers: Set up on campuses to generate over 10,000 tech-enabled jobs by 2025 in areas like software development, customer support, and data analysis.
- Advanced Curriculum: Over 400 globally accredited courses in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital marketing.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Trainees will receive mentorship, startup seed funding, and access to SBTS’s global outsourcing network.
According to Mr. Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS Group, its Nigerian operation id designed to attract international outsourcing contracts. It will provide foreign exchange inflow and contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience.
“We are not just building skills—we’re building a smarter, stronger Nigeria. This initiative is part of our larger goal to create 100,000 digital jobs in Africa by 2030.”
The SBTS-built BPO and Security Operations Centre (SOC) is located with the DBI in Abuja. It marks the first of many to be deployed across Nigeria. These state-of-the-art facilities will equip Nigerian youth with cybersecurity, customer support, and cloud computing skills. Its portfolio of training courses position Nigeria as a key player in the global outsourcing and tech talent ecosystem.
Bridging Nigeria’s digital skills gap
Speaking at the event, Mr. Daser David, CEO of DBI, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital skills gap.
“This partnership underscores DBI’s mission to deliver cutting-edge ICT training and prepare Nigerian youth for the future of work.”
The agreement supports broader national strategies including the National Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030). It seeks to address Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate of 19.7% and a $10 billion annual loss from unfilled tech roles.
A Joint Steering Committee will oversee the project’s implementation and track measurable outcomes in training, employment, and economic impact.
