The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecom operators to enhance employee compensation, adopt flexible work policies, and promote a culture of innovation to curb the alarming brain drain in Nigeria’s telecom industry. This appeal was made by the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, in response to the growing exodus of skilled telecom professionals, as reported by Nairametrics.
Speaking at the Fifth 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,” Dr. Maida stressed that retaining top talent is vital for maintaining the sector’s growth and competitiveness. He highlighted that talent is the driving force behind innovation and progress in the telecom industry, and the increasing migration of skilled professionals poses a serious risk.
Dr. Maida, represented by the NCC’s Lagos Zonal Controller, Mr. Tunji Jimoh, warned that global demand for tech talent is pulling Nigeria’s brightest minds abroad, creating a talent gap that could hinder the industry’s development. A report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria revealed that over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 telecom professionals left the country in 2022 alone.
To address this crisis, Dr. Maida called on telecom operators to create work environments that prioritize employee engagement, flexibility, and career development. He advocated for remote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and fostering creativity and innovation within the workplace. Regular upskilling and reskilling initiatives, he added, are key to keeping professionals engaged and advancing their careers in Nigeria.
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Additionally, Dr. Maida urged stronger collaboration between telecom companies and educational institutions to equip graduates with industry-relevant skills. He emphasized that building a robust pipeline of homegrown talent is essential for the future of the telecom sector.
The NCC is taking proactive steps to address the talent migration issue. The commission is actively promoting indigenous content, improving digital infrastructure, and fostering a digital-friendly environment to attract and retain professionals. Dr. Maida also highlighted the NCC’s involvement in the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to train 3 million Nigerians in digital and technical skills by 2027. Additionally, the NCC is partnering with Nokia to establish a 4G/5G test lab to equip young Nigerians with cutting-edge telecom skills.
Bukola Olanrewaju, convener of TSSF 5.0 and Managing Editor of Business Remarks, also emphasized the global impact of brain drain, commonly referred to as human capital flight. For the telecom industry, she noted, this leads to diminished innovation and reduced intellectual capital, weakening the sector’s long-term potential. Olanrewaju called for urgent strategies to retain skilled professionals and ensure the industry remains competitive.
