In response to the troubling trend of talent migration from Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged immediate measures to curb the loss of skilled professionals.
The commission reported that in 2022 alone, over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 trained telecom professionals left the country, posing a significant threat to the sector’s future.
At the fifth Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0), themed “Mitigating the Effects of Talent Exodus and its Impact on the Growth of Nigeria’s Telecommunications Industry,” NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida emphasized the need for telecom companies to implement flexible work policies, enhance compensation packages, and cultivate a culture of innovation.
He stressed that creating an environment that values and nurtures talent is vital for retaining skilled professionals and ensuring the industry’s ongoing growth.
Represented by NCC Lagos Zonal Controller Tunji Jimoh, Maida cautioned that the global demand for technology talent is luring many of Nigeria’s brightest minds abroad in search of better opportunities. If this trend continues unchecked, it could result in a significant skills gap that endangers the sustainability of the nation’s telecom sector.
Referencing a report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Maida highlighted the outflow of telecom professionals as a critical setback, noting that their departure directly hampers innovation and development within the industry.
To tackle this issue, he called for telecom companies to provide more appealing working conditions. “Offering remote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and collaborative environments that promote creativity will make the local telecom sector more attractive to professionals considering opportunities abroad,” he said.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of regular upskilling and reskilling programs to enhance the capabilities of the existing workforce. Maida noted that investing in professional development not only strengthens a company’s talent pool but also incentivizes employees to remain in Nigeria by providing them with pathways for career advancement.
