Nigeria’s Economic Future Hinges on Investment in Local Skills, Warns Former Governor Masari
Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, stating that the country’s progress will remain stunted unless it shifts its focus from import dependency to local production and skills development. Speaking at the media launch of the Nigeria Talents Exploration Challenge (NTEC) in Abuja, Masari highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritize domestic production to stabilize the naira, reduce energy costs, and achieve sustainable development.
“You can never make progress with importation. Your currency can never have meaning with importation. Your energy needs will never be affordable if they are totally dependent on what comes from outside,” Masari declared. His remarks underscore a growing consensus among economic experts that Nigeria’s over-reliance on imports is a significant barrier to economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Masari pointed to his administration’s efforts in Katsina State, where over 10,000 youths were trained in vocational skills, as a model for national development. He argued that empowering young Nigerians through technical and vocational education is not just a social imperative but an economic necessity. “Without investing in our youth and equipping them with practical skills, Nigeria’s economic future will remain uncertain,” he emphasized.
The NTEC, initially launched in Katsina, has now expanded nationwide, reflecting a broader push to address Nigeria’s skills gap and reduce reliance on foreign goods. The initiative aims to identify and nurture local talent, providing a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their abilities and contribute to the nation’s economic transformation.
At the event, NTEC National Coordinator Arc. Faisal Jaafaru Rafindadi described the initiative as a strategic move to harness Nigeria’s untapped potential. “We cannot continue to depend on imports while our local talents remain underutilized. NTEC is a step toward building a self-reliant economy,” he stated.
Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), echoed these sentiments, highlighting Nigeria’s recent admission into World Skills International in 2024 as a milestone in global skills development. Bugaje expressed optimism that Nigerian talents would gain international recognition through competitions such as the World Skills Africa event in Zambia (2025) and the World Skills International competition in South Korea (2026).
“Africa is full of talent, and Nigeria, as the continent’s most populous nation, must take the lead. By investing in our youth, we can position Nigeria as a global hub for skilled labor,” Bugaje asserted.
A Critical Perspective
While the NTEC initiative and Masari’s call for local production are commendable, they also raise critical questions about Nigeria’s broader economic policies. For decades, successive governments have paid lip service to diversification and self-sufficiency, yet the country remains heavily reliant on imports for everything from refined petroleum products to basic consumer goods.
The success of initiatives like NTEC will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and a coherent strategy to integrate skilled labor into the formal economy. Without addressing systemic issues such as corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of access to capital for local producers, efforts to promote domestic production may fall short.
Moreover, while vocational training is essential, it must be complemented by reforms in the education system to ensure that skills development aligns with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. Nigeria’s admission into World Skills International is a positive step, but it must be followed by concrete actions to bridge the gap between training and employment.
In conclusion, Masari’s warning is a timely reminder of the urgent need for Nigeria to rethink its economic priorities. Investing in local skills and production is not just a pathway to economic stability—it is a prerequisite for national survival in an increasingly competitive global landscape. However, without addressing the structural barriers that have hindered progress for decades, even the most well-intentioned initiatives risk becoming another missed opportunity.
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Nigeria’s Economic Future Hinges on Investment in Local Skills, Warns Former Governor Masari