By Vivian Emoni
The Organisation of Youths in International Trade and Commerce (OY-ITC) has called for increased export opportunities and stronger global trade participation for Nigerian youths through skills development and policy support.
Dr Chinedu Amadi, President of OY-ITC, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
Amadi said Nigeria’s growing youth population required stronger systems to support global competitiveness and participation in international trade.
According to him, the organisation promotes policies that encourage production, export growth and international market participation among young entrepreneurs.
He said OY-ITC supported export-led youth development to help businesses access regional and international markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The organisation also promotes technical and vocational skills linked directly to global supply chains and industrial production,” he said.
Amadi said that the Nigeria-China technical cooperation programme exposed youths to practical manufacturing, technology and production skills.
“The initiative focuses on building a trade-ready generation capable of competing in global markets.
“The OY-ITC also promotes trade awareness through its publication, Trade Horizon Magazine, which provides young entrepreneurs with information on export opportunities, international standards and market access,” he said.
He disclosed that more than 400 youths had benefited directly from OY-ITC programmes since 2021, while about 3,500 others benefited indirectly through its activities.
According to him, more than 60,000 youths had also accessed the organisation’s programmes online.
Amadi said the Nigeria-China technical skills programme aimed to train 3,000 African youths within three years, targeting participants from Nigeria, Liberia, Cameroon and South Africa.
He added that OY-ITC also organised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) training programmes to help businesses meet international standards.
Amadi identified skills mismatch, poor access to information and weak integration into global value chains as major challenges facing youths.
“Access to finance and logistics infrastructure also remain significant barriers to international trade participation.
“The organisation has engaged government agencies and stakeholders to promote youth-focused export policies and partnerships,” he said.
He commended the Federal Government’s efforts toward economic diversification and regional trade participation, but emphasised the need for stronger policies to connect young entrepreneurs with international markets and production systems.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
