The departure of telecom professionals from Nigeria has raised concern, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) voicing the alarm over the increasing number of skilled workers leaving the country. In 2022 alone, over 2,000 telecom professionals, including more than 500 software engineers, left the country searching for more lucrative opportunities abroad. This growing trend of talent migration, often referred to as “Japa,” presents a major challenge to the sector’s future, one of the country’s most critical industries.
During the fifth edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0), which focused on “Mitigating the Effects of Talent Exodus and its Impact on the Growth of Nigeria’s Telecommunications Industry,” Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, voiced concerns regarding the issue. He observed that the country’s top talent in the industry is attracted to foreign markets where their expertise is in high demand, primarily because of better Salaries and enhanced working environments. Maida’s remarks shared through the NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, Tunji Jimoh, emphasised the necessity of tackling this challenge to prevent the emergence of a skills shortage that might jeopardise the industry’s future viability.
ATCON research shows worker departures are impacting sector innovation.
Furthermore, the departure of skilled experts poses a significant challenge for the sector and the nation’s economy. Companies in this industry find it difficult to replace the talent that has left, hindering progress and slow advancement within the field. As an essential driver of digital growth, the industry requires more talent to maintain its competitiveness and growth. The potential threat to the industry’s future will grow increasingly significant if the talent departures persist without intervention. A report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) indicated that the departure of professionals already affects Innovation within the sector.
As a result, the loss of talented professionals weakens the capacity of local firms to develop new solutions and services, which are essential for sustaining growth and meeting the increasing demand for advanced telecommunications services in the country. In response to this issue, Maida stressed that telecommunications firms should actively establish a compelling atmosphere for talented individuals. By implementing flexible work arrangements, increasing salary offerings, and nurturing a spirit of creativity and innovation, the local industry could become more desirable for existing workers and those looking at foreign job prospects.
Maida emphasises continuous learning and upskilling within the industry.
Additionally, the need for continuous learning and upskilling within the industry cannot be overstated. Maida emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for professional development. Organisations that prioritise the development of their staff through consistent training and promotion chances will not only enrich their talent base but also encourage their employees to stay in the country, reassured by the prospects for career advancement. Providing opportunities for remote work while designing collaborative environments that inspire creativity are effective approaches to reducing employee turnover.
In addition to enhancing workplace environments, collaborations between the industry’s firms and academic establishments are recognised as vital for bridging the skills shortage. Through joint efforts, both sectors can develop training initiatives that equip emerging professionals with the competencies required in the field. This alliance is viewed as a sustainable approach to guarantee a continuous increase of skilled individuals to occupy roles vacated by those who migrate. The NCC is actively working to tackle the issue of skilled worker migration. The commission aims to expand the nation’s pool of qualified experts through programs like the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, which seeks to equip three million Nigerians with digital and technical expertise by 2027.
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Launched by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, this initiative aims to provide citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in the international market and support the expansion of the local industry. Lastly, the departure of more than 2,000 experts in 2022 poses significant challenges to the industry’s sustainability. Nevertheless, with targeted efforts, collaborations, and enhanced workplace environments, there is hope that the telecom field can retain its skilled workforce and persist in advancing the nation’s digital transformation.