Choma Vivian James
…Industrial giant unveils West Africa’s largest vocational training initiative as NUJ FCT seeks strategic partnership
Zeberced Group has announced a sweeping investment programme aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s industrial and human capital landscape, unveiling plans to train 2,000 Nigerian youths annually through a world-class Technical and Vocational Training School while creating no fewer than 40,000 direct jobs.
n a move that underscores its long-term commitment to Nigeria, the company also disclosed plans to establish a FIFA-approved football academy that will identify, nurture and develop talented children and young people for professional careers in football at both national and international levels.
The ambitious vision was unveiled by the Managing Director of Zeberced Group, Mr. Adil Aydin Kurt, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, led by its Chairman, Grace Ike, to the company’s facilities at the Abuja Industrial Park Free Zone. The visit focused on exploring strategic partnerships that would support industrial development, youth empowerment and national growth.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Kurt described the proposed Technical and Vocational Training School as a landmark project that would become the largest of its kind in West Africa. The institution is expected to admit about 2,000 trainees every year, producing nearly 20,000 highly skilled graduates over the coming years while addressing Nigeria’s growing demand for technically competent manpower.
According to him, the initiative will not only equip young Nigerians with practical, industry-reready skills but will also generate about 40,000 direct employment opportunities, making it one of the country’s most significant private-sector interventions in workforce development.
“Zeberced is currently working on a vocational training school which will offer training in various fields to young Nigerians and, in the process, provide 40,000 direct jobs. This is going to be a sample project and is presently the biggest operation of its kind in West Africa,” he said.
The proposed institution will provide specialised training in Construction Technology, Machine and Design Technology, Motor Vehicle Technology, Plumbing Technology, Metal Technology, Furniture Technology, and Electrical and Electronics Technology, preparing graduates for employment, entrepreneurship and leadership in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
Mr. Kurt reaffirmed the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic future, stressing that Zeberced remains committed to investing in skills development, technology transfer and industrial expansion.
“We are very serious about our work. I have many ideas and visions to share. We need to bring qualified people from different parts of the world to Nigeria because the future is Africa,” he said.
Beyond technical education, Zeberced revealed plans to launch a FIFA-approved football academy that will provide young talents with professional coaching, modern facilities and opportunities to compete on national and international platforms.
The company is equally expanding its investments across manufacturing, construction and industrial infrastructure. Mr. Kurt disclosed that Zeberced operates what he described as Africa’s first integrated mining quarry of its kind and intends to facilitate the establishment of hundreds of factories within the Idu Industrial Area to strengthen local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports and create thousands of additional jobs.
He explained that although the industrial development project began about 15 years ago and encountered several challenges, the company has remained steadfast in pursuing its vision through sustained investment and innovation.
According to him, Zeberced’s corporate philosophy is built on creating lasting value through industrialisation, technology transfer, skills acquisition and large-scale employment generation.
Responding, Grace Ike praised the company’s bold investments in youth empowerment and national development, describing the vocational training project as a timely initiative capable of reducing unemployment and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
She also appealed for Zeberced’s support toward the completion of the NUJ FCT Council’s ultra-modern Congress Hall project, noting that the facility will serve as a permanent venue for congresses, professional training programmes and other institutional activities.
Mr. Kurt welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Zeberced Group’s readiness to partner with institutions that contribute to national development and sustainable growth.
The visit ended with both organisations expressing optimism about forging a long-term partnership that will advance industrial development, professional capacity building, youth empowerment and inclusive socio-economic progress.
Since commencing operations in Nigeria in 2007, Zeberced Group has continued to expand its investments across manufacturing, construction, industrial infrastructure and human capital development, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading private-sector partners in industrial transformation.
