The Federal Government has opened applications for the fifth cohort of the Three Million Technical Talent programme, with approximately ₦4bn available to support organisations that train Nigerians in digital skills and connect them to employment opportunities.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the commencement of applications on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, through his official X account.
According to the minister, the funding will support verified outcomes under the 3MTT Delivery Network, which brings together training organisations, businesses and other partners working to improve digital skills and employment opportunities across Nigeria.
FG announces ₦4bn for digital skills programme
Tijani explained that the initiative would provide financial support to organisations capable of delivering measurable results, particularly by connecting trained Nigerians to jobs, freelance opportunities and businesses.
“Today, I am pleased to open applications for the 3MTT Delivery Network, with about ₦4 billion available for verified outcomes in Cohort 5,” he announced.
The minister disclosed that the programme was supported by the European Union and Denmark through GIZ, HAUS and ESTDEV, alongside a grant from the MacArthur Foundation.
He explained that the initiative would bring organisations together to develop Nigeria’s digital workforce while creating practical economic opportunities.
According to him, the programme is designed to ensure that Nigerians acquire relevant skills and can apply them in employment or entrepreneurship.
Two categories of partners announced
Tijani disclosed that interested organisations could participate through two categories: Funded Delivery Partners and Enabled Delivery Partners.
Under the Funded Delivery Partner arrangement, organisations must demonstrate their ability to provide verified employment, freelance or business opportunities for participants.
They may apply independently or form consortiums with other organisations.
Funding will be tied to measurable outcomes achieved by participating organisations rather than simply the number of individuals enrolled for training.
The second category, Enabled Delivery Partners, is open to organisations and individual experts capable of delivering digital and technical skills training.
According to the minister, applicants under this category can offer training virtually or physically, even without operating a dedicated training centre.
Successful partners will gain access to national digital talent resources and platforms designed to improve training and employment connections.
Partners to access national talent registry
Tijani explained that Enabled Delivery Partners would benefit from the 3MTT Talent Operating System, National Talent Registry and information on labour market demand.
They will also have access to resources from programme partners and opportunities for device financing, subject to eligibility requirements.
The initiative will help establish common national training standards and credentials to improve the recognition of skills acquired by Nigerian participants.
The minister maintained that stronger collaboration between training institutions and employers would help produce graduates with skills relevant to the labour market.
Tijani links programme to $1tn economy target
The minister said the government’s ambition to build a $1tn economy would require a workforce equipped with skills needed by businesses in Nigeria and internationally.
He also emphasised the importance of developing entrepreneurs and problem-solvers capable of creating opportunities for others.
According to him, expanding Nigeria’s pool of skilled professionals would strengthen the country’s competitiveness and support economic development.
The 3MTT programme was introduced in 2023 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to train three million Nigerians in technical skills.
The initiative has received support from private organisations and international development partners, including technology companies involved in digital training and workforce development.
How to apply for 3MTT Cohort 5
Tijani directed interested organisations and eligible individual training experts to submit their applications through the official 3MTT Delivery Network portal at delivery.3mtt.gov.ng.
Applicants are expected to select the partnership category that matches their capacity and the opportunities they intend to provide.
Organisations seeking funding must demonstrate how their activities will produce verifiable employment or business outcomes for participants.
The minister announced that applications for Cohort 5 funding would close on Monday, November 30, 2026.
The wider Delivery Network is expected to continue accepting partnership interest beyond the funding application deadline.
The government has not announced a fixed funding amount for individual applicants or guaranteed cash payments to every organisation that registers.
The approximately ₦4bn allocation is intended to support qualifying programme outcomes, subject to the applicable selection and verification requirements.
