A new recommendation from the Netherlands’ Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) has placed Nigeria in the global spotlight. According to the report, the Netherlands must strengthen ties with youthful, fast-growing countries such as Nigeria and Indonesia to fill its widening labour shortages, as older traditional labour-supply countries begin to shrink.

The WRR warns that China, Eastern Europe and several Asian regions – historically the backbone of Dutch labour migration are ageing rapidly. As the working-age population in those countries declines, Dutch industries face shortages that could slow economic growth, raise production costs and weaken the country’s competitive edge.

Emerging youthful nations ie – Nigeria, on the other hand, is highlighted as a nation with a demographic advantage: a large, youthful population with strong labour potential. This aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign-policy agenda especially the Diaspora pillar of his 4D strategy, which aims to harness Nigeria’s global diaspora capacity as a national asset. The WRR’s findings reinforce that Nigeria is not only exporting talent informally, but is increasingly seen as a strategic partner in global labour supply.

For the Netherlands, Nigerian workers represent stability in sectors facing chronic shortages, including care work, agriculture, production, logistics and construction. For Nigerians, the opportunity means access to better income, international exposure and expanded professional advancement.

Hon Minister Tuggar

This thinking also connects with the views of Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who has openly encouraged well-structured schemes that enable Nigerians to volunteer or work abroad temporarily and return home with new skills, professional discipline and global experience. Tuggar has repeatedly emphasised the value of a “circular mobility” system where Nigerians gain opportunities abroad while helping to build the nation upon their return.

The WRR therefore recommends that the Netherlands should create deeper bilateral ties, including formal migration frameworks with countries like Nigeria. These frameworks would regulate the recruitment process, worker protection, accommodation standards and return arrangements; similar to the systems Tuggar advocates. It also calls for long-term cooperation, investment and development support to ensure sustainable migration partnerships.

For Nigerians, this represents economic opportunity, higher earnings and a new pathway to contribute to the nation’s development – whether through remittances, professional growth or eventual reintegration after international service. For the Netherlands, it offers a young, energetic labour force in a period of shrinking global supply.

As Dutch demographics tighten and African demographics expand, the WRR argues that Nigeria stands out as a natural partner for Europe’s future labour needs. It is a timely reminder that Nigeria’s population strength, when linked with responsible migration policy and presidential direction under the Diaspora pillar, can become a global strategic advantage.

For BENTV, this development underscores not just the movement of people, but the shaping of a modern, mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and one of Europe’s strongest economies.