Enugu State and Humatrix Team Up to Create 100,000 Jobs

The Enugu State Government and Humatrix Limited have joined forces to set up a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hub in the state. Their goal is to create over 100,000 jobs for young people. This also aims to make Enugu a top spot for digital services in Nigeria and Africa.

The agreement was signed at Government House, Enugu. This marks the start of the project, which fits into Governor Peter Mbah’s plans for economic growth, human capital development, and attracting private investments.

At the signing event, Dr Dakuku Peterside, Director of Humatrix Limited, explained that the company picked Enugu after looking at its investment climate, stable policies, and the state government's commitment to economic change.

He said, "It was very easy for us to choose Enugu. Enugu is investing, and there is consistency. Most importantly, we have a supportive environment. These are core things any business would request to scale."

Peterside revealed that they will start with a 750-seat BPO centre and plan to grow to over 2,000 seats in the first year. They aim to create 100,000 jobs within five years.

He added that this initiative will not just provide direct jobs. It will also give young people skills relevant to the industry. This way, they can connect with job opportunities and attract global firms looking for skilled workers.

He mentioned that the state government has already provided a building for the project. Recruitment and training will be available for interested youths in Enugu.

Peterside praised the government's negotiation efforts. He said the thoroughness shown by the multi-agency team reflects how serious Enugu is about attracting investments.

Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, the Special Adviser to the Governor on MSME and Digital Economy, also spoke. He said this partnership is a big step toward making the governor’s vision a reality. He wants to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

He explained that the Enugu Talent City Initiative aims to make the state a leading hub for digital services and outsourcing in Nigeria and Africa. This will attract global companies, create jobs, and allow young people to work for international clients from Enugu.

Chilo-Offiah also shared that the long-term plan is to create an outsourcing ecosystem with up to 300,000 seats by 2031. This would build on the initial 750-seat BPO centre and increase opportunities for young people with digital skills.

Governor Mbah spoke as well. He said this partnership aligns with his government’s goal to help young people gain valuable skills, find good jobs, and build their future in Enugu instead of leaving for other places.

The Governor revealed that over 33 percent of the state’s budget goes to human capital development. This shows his focus on education, skills training, and preparing the workforce.

He stressed that developing talent needs to go together with bringing in companies that can hire that talent. He noted that private investment is vital for the state’s economic growth goals.

Mbah also reaffirmed his administration’s goal to grow the digital economy through the proposed Talent City and Digital Industrial Park. He believes that the infrastructure will support job growth beyond the 100,000 jobs that Humatrix aims to create.

"We want the ‘japa’ where we can stay in Enugu and serve companies across the world, anywhere in the world," the Governor said. He sees this initiative as a chance for young people to earn competitive incomes while living in their home state.

He also emphasized the need to link education investments with industries that can turn knowledge and skills into jobs.