Concerned by the increasing migration of skilled professionals from Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has called for urgent measures to curb the talent drain.
According to the commission, over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 trained telecom professionals left the country in 2022, posing a serious threat to the industry’s sustainability.
During the fifth edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum, 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, stressed the need for telecom companies to implement flexible work policies, enhance remuneration packages, and foster a culture of innovation.
Dr. Maida, represented by NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, Tunji Jimoh, emphasized that creating an environment where talent is appreciated and nurtured is key to retaining skilled professionals and securing the sector’s long-term growth.
He warned that the global demand for tech talent is driving many of Nigeria’s brightest professionals to seek better opportunities abroad.
If this trend continues, Maida cautioned, it could result in a significant skills gap, jeopardizing the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom industry.
Citing a report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, he pointed out that the talent exodus is a major setback, directly impacting innovation and growth in the sector.
To tackle this challenge, he urged telecom companies to provide more competitive working conditions. “Offering remote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and collaborative workspaces that promote creativity will make the local telecom industry more appealing to professionals who might otherwise seek opportunities overseas,” he stated.
He also stressed the importance of upskilling and reskilling initiatives to boost the capabilities of the current workforce, noting that investing in professional development not only strengthens a company’s talent pool but also incentivizes employees to stay in Nigeria by offering them clear paths for career progression.
(Vanguard)
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