Nestlé Nigeria Marks 15 Years of Technical Training Impact, Graduates 20 Young Engineers at Flowergate Centre

Nestlé Nigeria Marks 15 Years of Technical Training Impact, Graduates 20 Young Engineers at Flowergate Centre

Nestlé Nigeria has commemorated 15 years of its Technical Training Centre initiative with the graduation of 20 young engineers from its Flowergate facility, reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment and skills development across the country. The milestone underscores the company’s sustained investment in technical and vocational education aimed at enhancing employability and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial workforce.

Nestlé Nigeria’s Technical Training Centre, established in 2011 at its Agbara factory and later expanded to Flowergate and Abaji, has now trained 309 young Nigerians in hands-on engineering and manufacturing disciplines. The programme, which forms part of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative launched in 2013, is designed to equip young people with practical skills, workplace experience, and access to employment opportunities, with a global target of reaching 10 million youths by 2030.

With an investment exceeding ₦6 billion, the 18-month intensive training curriculum blends theoretical instruction with practical industrial exposure, covering areas such as food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations. Graduates also earn the internationally recognised City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, boosting their competitiveness in both local and international job markets.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, said the initiative reflects the company’s purpose of improving quality of life through food while investing in future talent pipelines for the industry.

“Our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. Through the Nestlé Technical Training Centre, we are investing in the future of our industry and empowering young Nigerians to grow and excel,” he said.

He added that over the past 15 years, the programme has strengthened operational capacity within the company and created sustainable pathways for youth development.

Also speaking, the Country Human Resource Manager, Mr. Shakiru Lawal, highlighted that the initiative has become a critical talent pipeline for Nestlé Nigeria, noting that about 98 percent of graduates secure employment within the organisation.

“This reflects our commitment to creating shared value through skills development, industry knowledge, and meaningful job opportunities,” he said.

The valedictorian of the graduating set, Mr. Samuel Oladokun, described the training as transformative, saying it not only enhanced technical competence but also instilled discipline, teamwork, and professionalism.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, represented at the event, commended Nestlé for its positive community impact and sustained investment in youth development.

Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, praised the initiative for complementing government efforts in skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

Dignitaries at the ceremony also included the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; the Swiss Consul General, Ms. Conny Camenzind; and representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, NECA, and the Alliance for Youth initiative, all of whom lauded the programme’s impact.

The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a core pillar of the Nestlé Needs YOUth programme in Nigeria, alongside other interventions such as the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, Nesternship, and the Alliance for YOUth initiative, all aimed at strengthening youth employability and economic participation.