The Nigerian Communications Commission has called on telecom operators in the country to implement flexible work policies, improve remuneration, and cultivate a culture of innovation to create an attractive environment for talent retention.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida
made this appeal in light of the increasing exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria to other countries, according to Nairametrics.
He emphasized that adopting these measures is essential for sustaining the growth and competitiveness of the telecom sector amid a challenging labor market.
Speaking at the Fifth Edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0), organized by Business Remarks and themed “Mitigating the Effects of Talent Exodus and its Impact on the Growth of Nigeria’s Telecommunications Industry,” Maida emphasized that talent is the lifeblood of innovation and development.
He stated that the loss of skilled professionals poses a significant setback for the industry, underscoring the urgent need for strategies to retain talent within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
According to Maida, who was represented by the NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, Mr. Tunji Jimoh, the global demand for tech talent has led many of Nigeria’s brightest minds to seek lucrative opportunities abroad.
This exodus has created significant vacuums in the industry and contributed to a skills gap that poses a potential threat to the sustainability of the telecommunications sector.
Citing a report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, Maida revealed that over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 trained telecom professionals left the country in 2022 alone. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for measures to retain talent and bolster the industry’s workforce.
He warned that this trend, if left unchecked, could jeopardize the growth and sustainability of the industry.
In discussing measures to mitigate brain drain and address talent exodus in the telecom sector, the Executive Vice Chairman emphasized that professionals, particularly in the tech field, are looking for environments where they feel valued, engaged, and free to explore new ideas.
“Offering remote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and collaborative spaces where creativity is encouraged will make the local telecom sector more appealing to professionals who might otherwise seek opportunities abroad,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of telecom companies continuing to invest in regular upskilling and reskilling initiatives for their existing workforce.
“By offering employees opportunities for professional development, companies not only enhance their workforce’s competencies but also provide incentives for talent to stay, knowing they have a pathway to career advancement within their current organization,” he said.
Maida further urged the telecom sector and companies to actively engage and partner with universities, technical schools, and training institutes to develop tailored programs aimed at equipping graduates with industry-relevant skills.
On part of the commission, the NCC Boss said that the commission has been instrumental in mitigating talent migration through its initiatives to promote indigenous content, improve infrastructure, and create an enabling environment for digital growth.
The NCC’s collaboration with stakeholders, ministries, departments, agencies, state governments, and international organizations has been vital in achieving these objectives.
Maida highlighted the NCC’s active participation in the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program, launched by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, which aims to train 3 million Nigerians in digital and technical skills by 2027. Additionally, he mentioned the NCC’s partnership with Nokia to establish a 4G/5G test lab, designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills necessary for success in the industry.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Convener of TSSF 5.0 and Managing Editor of Business Remarks, Bukola Olanrewaju highlighted that human capital flight—the exodus of skilled professionals from their home countries—has become a global phenomenon with significant implications.
She emphasized that human capital flight is not just a statistic; for the telecom industry, it presents substantial challenges, including a tangible loss of talent, brain drain, reduced innovation, and diminished intellectual capital.
These issues underscore the urgent need for strategies to retain skilled professionals within the sector.
