FG unveils ‘Outsource to Nigeria Initiative’ to capture $8.79 trillion global BPO market share
..govt’s policies strategic to strengthen nation’s economy-Shettima
The federal government on Monday launched the “Outsource to Nigeria Initiative” @otni_ng.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima who launched the initiative, said that the initiative was strategic to redirecting the talents and skills that abound in the country with a target of capturing a significant portion of the global BPO market valued at $8.79 trillion.
Shettima noted that apart from producing millions of job opportunities and spurring Nigeria’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT-enabled services sector into growth that has never been witnessed before, the OTNI would link global firms with the abundant talents and skills in Nigeria.
The Vice President who spoke during the launch of the OTNI in Gombe State, noted that the spotlight was beaming on Nigeria, following the nation’s abundance of talent, a competitive cost structure, a rapidly improving ICT infrastructure, and a strategically advantageous location.
Delivering his address titled, “Bringing the World to Our Doorsteps,” Shettima described his principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a visionary leader and “refined economic strategist” who has a firm grip on the distinction between the current situation in Nigeria and the route within the global landscape.
He assured that the ongoing reforms being carried out by the Tinubu administration would soon guarantee a future where all Nigerians would be grateful for the resilience and foresight displayed in navigating the nation towards economic prosperity.
The Vice President who expressed confidence in the OTNI to turn around the economic fortunes of the country, said “Outsourcing, as an economic strategy, is not just about efficiency; it’s a profound recognition of our interconnectedness in the global economy. Outsourcing is also a strategy to counteract brain drain and channel our talents and skills into reconstructing a Nigeria that works.”
Noting that it was time Nigeria recognized its potential, embraced and explored the markets that are yearning for the nation’s unique contributions, Shettima pegged the global business process outsourcing (BPO) industry at 250 billion US dollars.
The Vice President continued: “The Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) symbolizes a pivotal alliance, a collaborative dance between the public and private sectors. This is a mission to produce millions of job opportunities and propel Nigeria’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT-enabled services sector into unprecedented growth.
“OTNI is here to connect global companies with the abundant talents and capabilities inherent in Nigeria. This initiative marks a strategic leap forward, positioning Nigeria as an emerging outsourcing powerhouse ready to make an indelible mark on the global economic landscape.
“Today, we are not only presenting to you the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTN) with the honourable aim of taking over the world. We present to you a lens to see the needs of the world, a bridge to interact with the world, and a vehicle to reach the world from the comfort of your offices and homes in Nigeria.”
Shettima implored Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration in respect of the economic decisions taken so far, explaining that though it may present some temporary challenges, they are a strategic investment targeted at strengthening the fabric of the nation’s economy.
“The tough decisions we have taken may pose short-term challenges, but rest assured, it is a strategic investment to fortify the foundations of our economy. As your guarantee, I affirm that the reforms in progress will not only weather the storms but usher in a future where we shall stand grateful for the resilience and foresight displayed in propelling our nation towards economic prosperity,” he stated.
The Vice President further said that Nigeria was on the verge of carving its own narrative within the global BPO landscape, as well as contributing to solidifying its role.
