The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s human capital through strategic partnerships and skills-based development initiatives.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite made this known after hosting Dr. Bill Winston and Dr. Deloris Thomas, President of The Joseph Center, at the Ministry of Finance for a high-level discussion on human capital development and economic empowerment.
The meeting focused on how Nigeria can harness the potential of its youthful population to drive sustainable economic growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to the Minister, transforming Nigeria’s workforce into a productive and innovative force is essential for long-term national development.
During the discussions, emphasis was placed on the need to move beyond traditional academic qualifications and instead prioritize practical, skills-based training. The participants agreed that experiential entrepreneurship—where young people learn through hands-on business experiences—would better prepare Nigerians to become wealth creators and employers of labour.
The talks also highlighted the importance of structured mentorship and support systems for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which play a critical role in job creation and economic stability. By providing young entrepreneurs with guidance, access to resources, and business development support, the government aims to strengthen the MSME sector and boost local enterprise.
In addition, the meeting explored opportunities for global partnerships to promote innovation, knowledge exchange, and access to international best practices in business education. Such collaborations, the Minister noted, could help Nigerian entrepreneurs compete more effectively in the global economy.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite stressed that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, particularly its young and dynamic population. She emphasized that strategic investments in education, skills training, and entrepreneurship will determine the country’s future economic strength and global competitiveness.
The Ministry of Finance, she added, remains committed to working with local and international partners to develop policies and programs that empower Nigerian youth, strengthen businesses, and drive inclusive economic growth.