The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has unveiled a new partnership aimed at connecting thousands of young Nigerian professionals to remote jobs in diaspora-owned businesses across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a strong emphasis on digital work and youth employment.
The initiative targets roles in virtual assistance, digital marketing, business support and other global service industries, offering young people access to high-income opportunities in the global digital economy.
In a statement signed by the Director of InnoPower Africa Foundation, Mr. Remy Chukwunyere, the programme was described as a response to rising youth unemployment, designed to equip graduates and early-career professionals with the exposure and skills needed to compete for international digital positions. He said the collaboration was structured to “give Nigerian youths a stronger pathway into high-income digital jobs.”
The participating organisations said the partnership would operate through an end-to-end talent ecosystem supported by institutions such as ITANA, which will identify, train and deploy skilled young people to international companies through a secure digital business zone designed for global hiring and remote operations.
Also integrated into the framework are the University of Lagos’ African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence for Unemployment and Skills Development, and the National Talent Export Programme. These partners will provide technical training, communication skills and remote-work readiness programmes to help participants meet global employment standards.
“Nigerian talents are world-class, innovative and ready to deliver exceptional value to businesses globally,” said Mr. Emil Ekiyor, Founder of InnoPower Africa. “What has been missing is not capability: it is access, preparation and connection to opportunities. Through this collaboration with NIDCOM and our talent ecosystem partners, we are building the infrastructure to make Nigerian professionals visible and competitive in markets where their skills are desperately needed.”
The programme will also support diaspora-owned companies seeking reliable remote workers, with both sides expected to benefit from a stronger talent pipeline. A major feature is a paid internship scheme at the University of Lagos, offering top students hands-on experience through direct work with international firms, helping them transition into full-time remote roles.
At the centre of the placement process is Fast Track Virtual, InnoPower’s vetting and training platform, which will manage assessment, skills development, cultural immersion and quality assurance. Companies in NIDCOM’s diaspora database will receive a first-year discount when they hire Nigerians on full-year contracts.
The Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the commission was “proud to champion this initiative that embodies our core mandate: mobilising the Nigerian diaspora as active participants in solving our nation’s challenges.”
“Nigerians abroad are employers, mentors and champions who can directly create opportunities for their brothers and sisters at home,” she added.
