Nestlé Nigeria has concluded the 15th anniversary celebration of its Technical Training Initiative with the graduation of 20 new trainees from its Technical Training Centre at the Abaji Factory in Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment and industrial skills development in Nigeria.
The latest graduation ceremony comes weeks after a similar celebration at the company’s Flowergate Factory in Sagamu, Ogun State.
The company disclosed that the initiative, which has attracted over ₦6 billion in investment since inception, was established at the Agbara Factory in 2011 before expanding to Abaji and Flowergate. Over the years, the programme has equipped hundreds of young Nigerians with technical and vocational skills aimed at improving employability and strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The 18-month programme combines classroom learning with practical industrial training in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations. Graduates earn the internationally recognised City & Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, urged the graduates to embrace continuous learning and resilience as they begin their professional careers.
He said, “As you graduate today, you are stepping into an industry that depends on skill, discipline, innovation, and excellence. The skills you have gained through this programme provide a strong foundation, but your success will depend on your willingness to keep learning, adapting, and applying yourselves.”
Nestlé Nigeria also announced employment opportunities for the graduating trainees, maintaining its long-standing practice of absorbing about 98 per cent of graduates from the Technical Training Centre into its workforce.
Country Human Resource Manager of Nestlé Nigeria, Shakiru Lawal, described the initiative as a major driver of youth employability and industrial growth.
According to him, the programme has produced 289 graduates since inception and continues to serve as a strong talent pipeline for both Nestlé and the wider manufacturing sector through collaborations with organisations such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Swiss Embassy.
The ceremony also highlighted gender inclusion in technical education, with 10 young men and 10 young women graduating from the programme.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, commended the equal representation, describing it as a positive signal for the future of technical professions.
“One of the most inspiring aspects of today’s ceremony is the clear demonstration that technical excellence belongs equally to young women and young men,” he said.
Industry stakeholders and government representatives present at the event also praised the initiative for its sustained contribution to youth development and technical education in Nigeria.
Director-General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nestlé Nigeria to advance technical skills development across the country.
The Technical Training Initiative forms part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, the company’s global youth empowerment programme launched in 2013 to provide young people with employability skills and career opportunities. Globally, the initiative targets reaching 10 million young people by 2030.