Introduction

The Federal Government has unveiled a targeted initiative to close Nigeria’s unemployment gap, focusing on young people, first-time job seekers, and those outside the formal education system. With recent data showing a significant decline in joblessness, the iDICE programme aims to equip thousands of Nigerians with practical digital and business process outsourcing skills. The initiative is being delivered through a joint venture between Premier Startups Limited and Ethica Resolve Nigeria Limited in the South-West.

What Happened

New figures from the National Bureau of Statistics reveal that Nigeria’s unemployment rate fell to 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, down from previous quarters, while underemployment also declined by 9.2 per cent. In response, the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme has opened applications for free business process outsourcing training targeting 50,000 young people across the South-West states. Implemented through the Bank of Industry and co-financed by the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank, the initiative will deliver virtual and hybrid training in customer service, data management, and back-office operations over four to eight weeks.

Why This Matters

Beyond immediate job placement, the iDICE initiative is designed to foster long-term economic resilience by positioning the South-West as an emerging BPO hub and creating pathways for Nigerian talent to serve international companies without relocating. By integrating digital skills development with structured certification and gender-balanced participation, the programme addresses structural barriers that have historically limited youth employment. The cross-border work model also opens access to global earning potential, potentially transforming the region’s economic landscape and attracting further investment into Nigeria’s creative and digital sectors.

Key Takeaways

  • The iDICE Programme offers free BPO and digital skills training to 50,000 young Nigerians across six South-West states.
  • Training runs four to eight weeks via virtual and hybrid formats, with industry-recognised certification upon completion.
  • State allocations: Lagos 10,000 participants; Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti each receive 8,000.
  • A minimum of forty per cent of training spots are set aside for women, and the scheme includes targeted outreach to young people outside education, employment, or training, as well as persons with disabilities.
  • Successful participants gain access to international remote work opportunities, supporting the South-West’s emergence as a BPO destination.
  • The programme is co-financed by the African Development Bank, AfDB, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank.

Conclusion

With unemployment figures trending downward and targeted skills programmes now live, the iDICE initiative represents a strategic step toward inclusive job creation and digital economy growth. Eligible young Nigerians are encouraged to apply early, as places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis across the participating states. The success of this model could shape future government-led efforts to bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation of Nigerian workers.