…As Bagudu heads to deliver keynote at World MEET 

By Emmanuel Elebeke

The German Chamber of Commerce is launching an initiative to train Nigerian youths in vocational skills, aiming to integrate Germany’s dual vocational training system into Nigeria’s workforce development. 

This move seeks to address the “Japa Syndrome,” a phenomenon where Nigerian youths migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities, driven by factors like unemployment, insecurity, and unfavorable working conditions.

The initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Nigeria and Germany, dating back to 2005. 

A key milestone in this partnership was the launch of the Dual Vocational Education Project in 2012, which was successfully executed in collaboration with five Nigerian partners.

The training program will provide Nigerian youths with employable skills, reducing the urge to migrate illegally. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, as it will help reduce brain drain and skill shortages in key sectors.

Some of the key benefits of this initiative include:

*Reducing illegal migration by providing Nigerian youths with employable skills, the initiative aims to reduce the number of youths migrating illegally to other countries.

-*Addressing skill shortages: The initiative will help address skill shortages in key sectors, such as healthcare, education, and technology.

*Promoting economic growth: By providing Nigerian youths with employable skills, the initiative is expected to promote economic growth and development in Nigeria.

According  to the German delegation, this initiative is a positive step towards addressing illegal.mugration, “Japa Syndrome” and promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria.

Announcing this yesterday in Abuja, at the introductory meeting between the minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu and the delegation from IHK Guienssen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Germany, the leader of the German delegation and President of the Giessen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Mathias Leder said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Germany and to curb illegal migration from Nigeria.

He explained that the German vocational training  for Nigerian Youths is a train the trainer program. “After acquiring certificate, they can apply  for any job of their choice in Germany. We believe this can stem illegal migration. 

“The idea is that this will be taken over  by Nigerian Chamber of Commerce through technology transfer. Our aim is to position Nigerian Chamber of Commerce to be supported by the Nigerian government.”

Meanwhile, the German delegation used the medium to formally invite the Minister of Budget and National Planning to deliver the Keynote Address at this year’s edition of  “THE WORLD MEETS IN GIESSEN”, organised by German

IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It is a gathering of global economic stakeholders in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum to shape the future of the global economy. 

The summit, which is a premier international B2B conference that aims to be a “Davos for SMEs.

It is designed to provide a platform for SMEs to engage, network, and explore opportunities for growth beyond borders. The conference serves as a bridge between global investors and small businesses, creating pathways for cross-border trade, technology transfer, and business expansion.

He said Nigeria’s participation in “The Words Meets in Giessen” presents a unique opportunity to: showcase Nigeria’s SME potential to international investors and business leaders; attract foreign direct investment and forge strategic partnerships; promote economic diversification by connecting Nigerian businesses with global supply chains and enhance policy dialogue on SME financing, innovation, and industrialization.

The minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu said the proposal by the German Chamber of Commerce is capable to trigger revolution that can change the world  and pledged the willingness of the administration to partner with Germany in dismantling all bottlenecks on the way to achieving the objectives.

“Chamber of commerce can play a role in sharing prosperity in a sustainable manner. This offer is opportunity to share in global prosperity.

“We don’t want to be nuisance  to the world, hence the introduction not our Agenda 2050 Development Plan, which we believe can lead to prosperity.”

While accepting the invitation to the conference, the Minister assured that it would lead to a stronger relationship in a more inclusive, respectful and sustainable manner, while respecting the sovereignty of each country.

“It is a timely idea, being the time we have been struggling in the late 18 months, we need thousands of industries, millions of SMEs to energise the economy. 

“We do not want illegal migration, he hate it more than you do, it is a failure of humanity, it is driven by poverty. We are wiling to work with you to amplify it so that poverty does not set in.”

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that a three man committee will be set up from both sides to draw a roadmap for Nigeria participation at the Davos conference.

Earlier in his address, the Nigerian former Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed who mediated between the two nations stated that the program stemmed from existing cooperation between  the two countries aimed at fostering sustainable Small and Medium Enterprises.

Mohammed, who was keynote speaker in the last year edition of the summit, said the presence of the Minister at this prestigious gathering will send a strong signal of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting SMEs as key drivers of economic transformation. 

“Your insights into Nigeria’s budgetary priorities, investment climate, and economic policies will provide valuable context for potential investors and development partners looking to engage with Nigerian SMEs.”

Recognizing the immense potential of SMEs in driving economic growth, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a series of strategic initiatives aimed at fostering their development and sustainability. Notably is the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund in support of small and medium enterprises among other laudable initiatives.