The Federal Government has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme’s Delivery Network, with approximately ₦4 billion earmarked to support organisations and experts involved in developing Nigeria’s digital workforce.

The development was announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, as the government intensifies efforts to equip Nigerians with technical skills and connect them to employment and other economic opportunities.

The funding is designed to support verified outcomes under Cohort 5, with financial backing from the European Union and Denmark through GIZ, HAUS and ESTDEV, alongside support from the MacArthur Foundation.

What Is the 3MTT Programme?

The 3 Million Technical Talent programme is a Federal Government initiative introduced to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the growing demand for digital and technical expertise in Nigeria and the global economy.

The programme focuses on equipping participants with practical skills that can help them secure employment, work as freelancers, establish technology-related businesses and participate in the growing digital economy.

According to information released by the ministry, more than 1.8 million Nigerians have registered on the platform, while approximately 179,000 fellows have been trained across previous cohorts and the DeepTech programme.

Who Can Apply for the ₦4 Billion Funding?

The latest application window is primarily targeted at organisations and individual experts interested in joining the 3MTT Delivery Network.

There are two major partnership categories.

1. Funded Delivery Partners

Organisations capable of identifying genuine employment opportunities or providing clear pathways to economic opportunities for trained participants can apply to become Funded Delivery Partners.

These organisations may apply independently or as part of a consortium. Funding will be linked to agreed targets and verified results rather than simply the number of people trained.

2. Enabled Delivery Partners

Organisations and individual experts with the ability to provide technical and digital skills training can also apply as Enabled Delivery Partners.

Applicants may participate with or without physical training facilities. Successful partners can gain access to shared training standards, national talent resources, digital infrastructure and other programme support, subject to eligibility.

How Will the Funding Be Distributed?

Under the new results-based funding arrangement, payments to selected Funded Delivery Partners will depend on the achievement of four important milestones:

• Commencement of learning by programme participants.
• Acquisition of verified technical skills.
• Securing an economic opportunity, such as employment, an internship, freelance work or a qualifying business.
• Sustaining that economic opportunity for at least six months.

This approach is intended to ensure that technical training leads to practical economic benefits rather than certificates alone.

How to Apply for the 3MTT Cohort 5 Delivery Network

Interested organisations and eligible individual experts can submit applications through the official 3MTT Delivery Network portal.

Official application portal: https://delivery.3mtt.gov.ng/

Applicants should provide relevant information about their organisations or expertise, training programmes, delivery methods and the support they require.

Organisations seeking Funded Delivery Partner status must meet the programme’s registration and operational requirements in Nigeria.

Application deadline: November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. West Africa Time for Cohort 5 funding applications.

General membership applications to join the Delivery Network remain open, with reviews conducted quarterly.

What This Means for Nigerians

The initiative could create additional opportunities for Nigerians seeking to develop technical skills and improve their chances of participating in the digital economy.

It also presents an opportunity for training organisations, technology companies and qualified experts to contribute to the development of the country’s digital workforce.

However, Nigerians should understand that the ₦4 billion is partner funding, not an automatic cash payment or direct personal grant to everyone interested in the programme.

Applicants should use the official portal and avoid individuals demanding money in exchange for guaranteed acceptance.

As Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, programmes such as 3MTT could play an important role in preparing young people for changing employment demands.

Utelnova will continue to bring readers updates on government initiatives, employment opportunities, technology and developments that matter to Nigerians