In order to establish an atmosphere that attracts and keeps talent, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advised telecom operators in Nigeria to implement flexible work arrangements, improved compensation, and develop an innovation culture.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the commission’s executive vice chairman, made the request in light of the widespread exodus of talented individuals from Nigeria to other nations.
Speaking at the Fifth Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0), which was organized by Business Remarks with the theme “Mitigating the Effects of Talent Exodus and its Impact on the Growth of Nigeria’s Telecommunications Industry,” Maida stated that the loss of skilled workers is a significant setback for our industry because talent is the lifeblood of innovation and development.
According to Maida, who was represented by the NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, Mr Tunji Jimoh, the global demand for tech talent has driven a good number of Nigeria’s brightest minds to pursue lucrative opportunities abroad, leaving vacuums in the industour and creating skills gap that potentially threatens the sustainability of the telecoms sector.
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Quoting a report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Maida noted that over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 trained telecom professionals left the country in 2022 alone.
He said this trend, if left unchecked, could jeopardize the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Speaking on measures to mitigate brain drain and address talent exodus in the telecom sector, the EVC said, professionals, especially in the tech sector, seek environments where they feel valued, engaged, and given the freedom 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.
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He emphasized the need for telecom companies to continue 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.
Furthermore, Maida tasked the telecom sector and companies to actively engage and partner with universities, technical schools, and training institutes to create tailored programs designed to equip graduates with industry-relevant skills.
According to him, this strategy will not only help fill the talent gap but also foster a pipeline of young, ambitious professionals eager to build their careers within Nigeria.
