Japa: Over 2,500 telecom professionals left Nigeria in 2022 - NCC

Worried by the alarming rate of migration of talents from Nigeria's telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has called for immediate action to prevent further loss of skilled professionals.

The commission revealed that over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 trained telecom professionals left the country in 2022 alone, posing a significant threat to the industry's future.

Speaking at 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 adopt flexible work policies, improve remuneration packages and foster a culture of innovation.

He noted that creating an environment that valued and nurtured talent was crucial to retaining skilled professionals and ensuring the sector's continued growth.

Maida, who was represented by NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, Tunji Jimoh, warned that the global demand for tech talent has driven many of Nigeria's brightest minds to seek more lucrative opportunities abroad.

He said if left unchecked, the trend could create a skills gap that threatens the sustainability of the nation's telecom sector.

Citing a report by the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, Maida highlighted the exodus of telecom professionals as a major setback, adding that the loss of such talent directly impacts innovation and development in the industry.

To address this challenge, he called on telecom companies to offer more attractive working conditions.
"Remote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and collaborative spaces that encourage creativity will make the local telecom sector more appealing to professionals who might otherwise seek opportunities abroad," he said.

He also underscored the importance of regular upskilling and reskilling initiatives to enhance the competencies of the existing workforce, noting that investing in professional development not only improves a company's talent pool but also provides incentives for employees to remain in Nigeria, knowing they have opportunities for career advancement.