In a major move to tackle youth unemployment and promote digital financial skills, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Investonaire Academy to train 100,000 young Nigerians every year in foreign exchange (forex) trading.
The signing ceremony took place in Abuja on Tuesday and was led by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande. The initiative is aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with practical knowledge in forex trading, risk management, and financial planning, enabling them to participate meaningfully in the global economy.
Speaking at the event, Olawande described the partnership as a “bold and strategic” step toward empowering Nigeria’s growing youth population.
“This partnership reflects our vision for sustainable youth development. Beyond just trading, we are helping young Nigerians embrace digital skills, think critically, and seize opportunities to build wealth and contribute to the Nigerian economy,” the minister said.
He emphasized that the programme is not just about learning to trade currencies, but about developing a mindset of financial independence and resilience in the face of economic challenges.
“In today’s economy, young people need more than degrees. They need real-world skills that can create income and wealth,” Olawande added. “This MoU is a commitment to action, not just paperwork. We will ensure transparency and measurable outcomes.”
According to the Minister, the training will be rolled out in phases across the country, with a clear monitoring system to track progress and ensure real impact.
Forex trading, or foreign exchange trading, involves the buying and selling of currencies on a global market. It has grown in popularity in recent years, especially among tech-savvy young people looking to earn income online. However, it also comes with risks, and the government believes that structured training is essential to help participants trade responsibly and sustainably.
Dr. Enefola Odiba, International Programme Director of Investonaire Academy, also spoke at the event. He said the academy was proud to partner with the government on such a critical programme, especially at a time when many young Nigerians face limited job prospects.
“Youth are the backbone of any country. When empowered, they become drivers of innovation and growth. This initiative is designed to bridge the opportunity gap and unlock the immense potential of our youth,” Odiba said.
He noted that the programme supports the Federal Government’s broader goals of digital inclusion, economic diversification, and skills acquisition in areas that are relevant to today’s global economy.
“We are not only training youths to trade forex. We are giving them tools to understand money, manage risks, and make informed decisions,” he added.
Nigeria, with over 60 percent of its population under the age of 30, faces a serious youth unemployment crisis. Despite holding academic qualifications, many young people struggle to find jobs. This has pushed the government to look into non-traditional paths, including digital entrepreneurship, fintech, and online work, as ways to close the employment gap.
Experts have welcomed the move, noting that structured forex training can be a useful alternative income stream if done responsibly. They, however, cautioned that regulation and proper supervision must be maintained to prevent exploitation or abuse.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development says it will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the programme delivers real, measurable benefits. The initiative is expected to begin with pilot training sessions in selected states before expanding nationwide.
