We want to create one million jobs in the digital world – Vice President Kashim Shettima seeks support from Korea

Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed Nigeria’s aspiration to generate employment opportunities for one million young individuals in the digital sector, as stated in a press release on June 26.

The statement was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Republic of Korea, headed by Jang Sungmin, who serves as the special envoy to Korean President Yoon Yeol. Shettima emphasized that the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Korea is built on mutual trust and collaboration.

“A lot of Korean companies are doing business in Nigeria, especially in the area of oil and gas. Six of our LNG trains were constructed by Korean companies,” Shettima was quoted as saying.

“We are fully committed to a very robust relationship between our nations. We need to learn a lot from Korea, especially in the areas of manufacturing and agriculture. You are a success story worthy of emulation by all developing nations.

“Many years ago in the 50s and 60s, the Korean GDP was at par with many African countries but today, Korea is among the developed nations. This is partly due to the leadership and commitment of the Korean people.

“We are willing to partner with you in the area of technology because, by 2030, there will be a 65 percent global talent deficit with the US, Russia and Brazil suffering a six million talent deficit. I believe Nigeria is in a unique position to fill in those talent deficits because ours is a young nation.

“Seventy-five percent of Nigerians are below the age of 35, so we are soliciting for your partnership and support in digital skills training for our young people.

“We want to create one million jobs in the digital world. India earned $ 120 billion last year from global outsourcing and we are in a unique position to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector.

“We need the skills set, we need the technology to drive the process and yours is a technology that we can embrace.”

“The government will make it easier for Korean businesses and other foreign investors to do business in Nigeria,” he said.

“Korea has always supported us in the international fora and we have that obligation to reciprocate by supporting Korean businesses operating in Nigeria.”