Nestlé Nigeria Graduates 20 Trainees as Technical Training Initiative Marks 15 Years

Nestlé Nigeria Graduates 20 Trainees as Technical Training Initiative Marks 15 Years

Nestlé Nigeria⁠� has graduated 20 new trainees from its Abaji Factory Technical Training Centre as part of activities marking the 15th anniversary of its Technical Training Initiative.

The graduation ceremony, which followed a recent celebration at the company’s Flowergate Factory in Sagamu, highlighted Nestlé’s continued investment in technical and vocational education aimed at improving youth employability and strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

The company disclosed that it has invested over ₦6 billion in the initiative since its establishment at the Agbara Factory in 2011. The programme has since expanded to Abaji and Flowergate, equipping hundreds of young Nigerians with practical skills in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations.

The intensive 18-month training programme combines classroom instruction with hands-on industrial experience and leads to the internationally recognised City & Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wassim Elhusseini encouraged the graduates to remain resilient and committed to continuous learning as they begin their professional careers.

According to him, the manufacturing industry requires discipline, innovation, and excellence, adding that the skills acquired through the programme would provide a strong foundation for future success.

He noted that Nestlé Nigeria remains confident that the graduates would make meaningful contributions to the company, the manufacturing industry, and national development.

The company also announced employment opportunities for the graduating trainees, maintaining its longstanding practice of absorbing about 98 per cent of graduates from the Technical Training Centre into its workforce.

Also speaking, Shakiru Lawal described the initiative as a strategic investment in youth development and workplace readiness.

He said the programme, which has produced 289 graduates since inception, has become a reliable talent pipeline for both Nestlé Nigeria and the wider manufacturing industry.

Lawal added that partnerships with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)⁠�, and the Swiss Embassy have strengthened the programme by providing trainees with industry exposure and practical workplace experience.

The graduation ceremony also reflected Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to inclusion, with an equal number of male and female graduates — 10 each — completing the programme.

Speaking on the development, Patrick Egloff commended the gender balance among the graduates, describing it as a positive signal for the future of technical and vocational professions.

Industry stakeholders, government representatives, and traditional leaders from Abaji community attended the event and praised Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained contribution to youth empowerment, technical education, and community development.

Director-General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)⁠�, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Nestlé Nigeria to advance technical skills development across the country.

The Technical Training Initiative forms part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, the company’s global programme launched in 2013 to support young people with skills, experience, and employment opportunities.

Other youth-focused programmes under the initiative in Nigeria include Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, Nesternship, and Alliance for YOUth, all aimed at helping young Nigerians build sustainable careers.