Nestlé Nigeria Graduates 8th Cohort from Technical Training Center, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment
By Temidayo Anthony
Publisher BorderlessMediaNg
Nestlé Nigeria has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and skill development with the graduation of twenty trainees from the 8th cohort of the Nestlé Technical Training Center, Agbara. The initiative forms part of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth program, launched in 2013 to enable 10 million young people worldwide to access economic opportunities by 2030.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Agbara Technical Training Center has invested over ₦6 billion in building the technical and vocational capacity of young Nigerians. The program provides comprehensive, hands-on training in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations—equipping participants with the practical expertise required to succeed in today’s competitive industrial environment.
The graduated trainees completed an intensive 18-month curriculum that combined classroom learning with practical experience, culminating in the prestigious City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification. This internationally recognized qualification significantly boosts their employability both within Nigeria and abroad.
With more than 200 young professionals trained across its centers in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji, Nestlé’s Technical Training initiative continues to make a measurable impact—boasting an impressive 95% employment rate among its alumni, many of whom have gone on to hold key engineering and supervisory positions.
Adding a global dimension to the experience, five outstanding graduates from this cohort embarked on an eight-week internship in Switzerland this October, under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nestlé Nigeria and the Embassy of Switzerland.
Through this continued investment in skill development, Nestlé Nigeria reaffirms its role as a key contributor to national development—empowering youth, strengthening local industry, and building a sustainable future for generations to come.
In another development
Nestlé Nigeria Empowers Sokoto Food Vendors Through “Business of Food” Workshop
Nestlé Professional, the Out-of-Home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria and a leading provider of food solutions, has continued its mission to empower local food vendors and strengthen Nigeria’s informal food economy through its Business of Food workshop held in Sokoto.
Now in its 8th edition, the initiative has transformed and equipped over 1,900 food businesses across seven states with vital entrepreneurial and culinary skills aimed at boosting business growth and income.
Canteens, grillers, Maishais, and bukas cornerstones of Nigeria’s vibrant street food culture serve millions of low-income earners daily, yet many face challenges in sustaining and expanding their businesses. Nestlé’s empowerment program addresses these gaps by providing training in key areas such as culinary techniques, menu planning, customer engagement, and best hygiene practices.
A key highlight of the Sokoto workshop was a masterclass by Chef Faridah, who demonstrated the preparation of Masa and Miyan Duka a dish that captures the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria.
Through initiatives like this, Nestlé Professional reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth, professionalism, and success of food vendors across the country, fostering sustainable livelihoods and community development.
