Beyond Training: Nestlé Graduates 20 Technical Professionals, Pledges $6 Billion Investment to Drive Nigeria’s Industrial Future

AGBARA, OGUN STATE- Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its deep commitment to youth empowerment and industrial capacity building, celebrating the graduation of twenty young professionals from the 8th cohort of its Technical Training Centre (TTC), Agbara. 

The initiative, a cornerstone of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth program, has invested over ₦6 billion since 2011 to equip young Nigerians with the hands-on technical and vocational skills needed to thrive in the modern manufacturing sector.

Global Opportunities and Local Impact

The graduates completed an intensive 18-month curriculum blending theoretical knowledge with practical engineering education. Their efforts culminated in the internationally recognized City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly boosting their employability.

Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the life-changing impact of the program at the ceremony.

“Each graduation ceremony is a true privilege because it allows us to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the Nestlé Technical Training Center,” said Elhusseini.

He revealed that the program’s success transcends Nigeria's borders:

Global Exposure: Five outstanding graduates from this class will embark on an eight-week internship in Switzerland in October, through a partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, to gain valuable global technical exposure.

Career Success: Alumni have gone on to build remarkable careers, including one who serves as a Factory Engineer in Angola and several others excelling as Engineering and Production Supervisors within the company.

Elhusseini emphasized that these achievements "go far beyond individual success; they uplift families, strengthen communities, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.”

A Proven Model for Employability

Since its inception, the Nestlé Technical Training Centre has trained over 200 young professionals across its three locations (Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji). Impressively, 95% of alumni have successfully secured employment with Nestlé Nigeria, demonstrating the program’s direct value to the industry.

Mr. Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager, detailed the scope of the broader *Nestlé Needs YOUth* initiative, which empowers young people annually through four pillars: employability, skills development, support, and access to opportunities.

"Through these efforts, we reach an average of 25,000 young people annually, helping them build fulfilling careers," Lawal stated. Other programs under the umbrella include the Nesternship Program (a virtual internship), the Nestlé Youth Development Program, and active participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria.

Praise from NECA and Community Leaders

The program received high praise from key stakeholders:

Mr. Adewale Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), whose goodwill message was delivered by Adenike Aderonke, Director of Social and Labour Affairs, affirmed: “This program reaffirms our belief that skills are the future of work, especially for young people in today’s competitive environment.”

His Royal Highness, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, expressed community pride: “I am proud to see a program that gives our youth real skills and opportunities. I encourage these graduates to lead by example and inspire others to make the most of education, training, and personal development.”

With every graduating cohort, the Nestlé Technical Training Centres continue to be a vital force in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial workforce and equipping young people to drive national economic growth.