Nestlé Nigeria Clinches Major Industry Honour as 20 Graduates Emerge from Technical Training Programme

Nestlé Nigeria has strengthened its reputation as a leader in youth empowerment and skills development, earning industry recognition following the graduation of 20 trainees from its Flowergate Technical Training Centre. 

The milestone event, which also marks 15 years of sustained investment in human capital development, highlights the company’s growing impact in equipping young Nigerians with employable technical and vocational skills.

The training centre, a key component of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative launched in 2013, is designed to bridge the skills gap and improve youth employability. The programme targets reaching 10 million young people worldwide by 2030.

Since its establishment in 2011, the Nestlé Technical Training Centre has trained over 300 young Nigerians across its facilities in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji, backed by an investment exceeding ₦6 billion. Participants undergo an intensive 18-month programme combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on engineering and manufacturing experience.

Graduates earn the globally recognised City & Guilds of London Institute certification, positioning them competitively within Nigeria’s industrial workforce and beyond.

Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director/CEO, Wassim Elhusseini, described the initiative as central to the company’s mission of enhancing quality of life through sustainable development.

He noted that the programme has not only built a steady pipeline of skilled talent but has also strengthened industry capacity and created real career pathways for young Nigerians.

Also speaking, Country Human Resource Manager, Shakiru Lawal, revealed that about 98 percent of graduates secure employment, many within Nestlé, underscoring the programme’s effectiveness as a talent pipeline.

Valedictorian, Samuel Oladokun, described the training as transformative, noting that it instilled discipline, confidence, and professionalism required to thrive in demanding industrial environments.

Traditional ruler, Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, represented at the event, commended the initiative for its positive impact on host communities, while Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu praised the company’s alignment with government efforts on youth development.

The ceremony attracted key stakeholders, including representatives from government, industry, and international partners, all of whom reaffirmed support for the programme’s continued expansion.

With a 15-year track record of impact, Nestlé Nigeria’s Technical Training Initiative remains a flagship model for private sector-driven capacity building positioning the company for continued recognition as a top contributor to Nigeria’s workforce development.