FG Attracts Over N6bn in Private Funding for 3MTT Expansion

Nigeria’s push to grow its digital workforce has received a major lift after the Federal Government secured more than N6.45bn in private-sector commitments for the next phase of the 3MTT expansion. The announcement came during the 3MTT National Impact Summit, which was held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, revealed that IHS, MTN, and Airtel are the latest to increase their support. He noted that the fresh funding would strengthen training hubs, widen access, and deepen community participation across the country. According to the presentation shared at the event, IHS pledged N2.5bn, MTN committed N2.95bn, while Airtel added N1bn to the growing list of contributions.

Tijani linked the momentum around the programme to both rising national demand and the digital economy reforms driven by President Bola Tinubu. He said the President’s decisions were designed to improve opportunities for everyday Nigerians. During his address, the minister noted that “every agenda of his administration and all the reforms that he’s made are solely for the average Nigerian.” He added that the summit also offered a moment to acknowledge the President’s role in shaping the sector.

3MTT Expansion: Why Private Funding Matters Now

The fresh boost for the 3MTT expansion builds on earlier interventions that helped restore investor confidence. Tijani highlighted the National Data Protection Commission Act, last year’s formal launch of the programme, and the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a $2bn fibre project covering 90,000 km nationwide. He also mentioned that telecom infrastructure is now classified as a critical national asset, which has eased concerns among operators.

The minister outlined previous private contributions as well. IHS was the first to back the initiative with N1bn, then followed up with N1.5bn to rehabilitate a damaged tech park in Kano. MTN also provided N3bn to support training, devices, and data, while Airtel channelled N1bn to support the 3MTT NextGen stream. Tijani said these early interventions created the structure that now supports a larger rollout. As he put it, “these gave us the foundation to produce what you’re seeing in the room today.”

He added that global tech companies such as AWS, Google, Huawei, and Microsoft have supported the project with tools and training credits, strengthening the 3MTT expansion even further.

Over 1.8 million Nigerians applied within the first month of the programme’s launch, confirming strong nationwide demand. Applicants registered using either NIN or BVN for verification, ensuring transparent enrolment across the states.

The 3MTT expansion has been structured in phases. The first phase trained 30,000 learners from December 2023. The second phase, launched in July 2024, opened opportunities for one million trainees. The final phase, which targets three million people, is expected to begin next year. Tijani said direct employment from the first cohort already exceeds 15,000, with many earning above N250,000 monthly.

Across the country, 201 applied learning centres are active, supported by 583 learning partners and 37 community managers.

Looking at job placement efforts, Tijani said the European Union and UNDP, through the Jubilee Fellows Programme, have funded internship opportunities that allow fellows to gain experience at no cost to host organisations.

President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said Nigeria’s plan to become a $1tn economy depends on sustained digital upskilling. He noted that “the countries that lead the world today are those that invest purposefully in the skills of their young population.” He added that digital competence now drives growth in agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, and public service.

The programme, launched in October 2023, aims to equip three million people with digital skills such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science by 2027. The mixed learning approach blends online modules with hands-on sessions in centres across all 36 states and the FCT, laying a long-term foundation for the 3MTT expansion.