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Concerned about the rapid migration of talent from Nigeria's telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the need for urgent measures to curb the ongoing exodus of skilled professionals. The commission reported that in 2022 alone, over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 trained telecom experts departed the country, posing a serious risk to the industry's future.
During the fifth edition of the 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, urged telecom companies to implement flexible work arrangements, enhance compensation packages, and cultivate a culture of innovation.
He stressed that fostering an environment that values and develops talent is essential for retaining skilled professionals and ensuring the sector's ongoing growth. Represented by NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, Tunji Jimoh, Maida cautioned that the global demand for technology talent has prompted many of Nigeria's most talented individuals to pursue more lucrative opportunities overseas.
He warned that if this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to a skills gap that jeopardizes the sustainability of the nation's telecom sector. Referencing a report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Maida pointed out that the departure of telecom professionals represents a significant setback, as the loss of such talent directly affects innovation and development within the industry.
To tackle this issue, he urged telecom companies to provide more appealing working conditions. “Implementing remote work options, offering continuous learning opportunities, and creating collaborative environments that foster creativity will enhance the attractiveness of the local telecom sector for professionals who might otherwise look abroad for opportunities,” he stated.