Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has cautioned that Nigeria’s economic progress will remain stagnant unless the country reduces its reliance on imports and prioritizes domestic production.
Speaking at the media launch of the Nigeria Talents Exploration Challenge (NTEC) in Abuja over the weekend, Masari emphasized that a stronger naira, affordable energy, and sustainable development hinge on self-sufficiency.
“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,” he stated.
Highlighting the critical role of technical education in economic stability, Masari cited efforts in Katsina State, where over 10,000 youths were trained in vocational skills to enhance employability and self-reliance.
NTEC Expands Nationwide to Harness Local Talent
Originally launched in Katsina, NTEC has now expanded nationwide, aiming to promote skills-based education and reduce Nigeria’s import dependency. The event brought together key stakeholders, including NTEC National Coordinator Arc. Faisal Jaafaru Rafindadi and NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje, both of whom stressed the importance of technical and vocational skills in driving economic transformation.
Rafindadi described NTEC as a strategic initiative to unlock local talent, while Prof. Bugaje noted Nigeria’s increasing role in global skills development, particularly following its 2024 admission into World Skills International.
Bugaje expressed optimism that the competition would open doors for Nigerian youths to gain international recognition.
“Africa is full of talent, and Nigeria, as the continent’s most populous nation, must take the lead. Winners of the talent hunt will have the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the World Skills Africa competition in Zambia (2025) and the World Skills International event in South Korea (2026),” he added.
With growing emphasis on skill acquisition and self-reliance, stakeholders believe initiatives like NTEC could be pivotal in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
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