NCC Sounds Alarm on Telecom Talent Drain, Calls for Urgent Action

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on telecom operators in Nigeria to implement strategies that will help attract and retain skilled professionals in the face of the ongoing talent exodus. 

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC, stated the need for better working conditions, competitive pay, and enabling a culture of innovation as key factors in reducing the brain drain affecting the telecom industry. 

This call was made during the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum 5.0 (TSSF), organised by Business Remarks, with the theme focused on mitigating the impact of the talent shortage on the sector’s growth.

Maida, represented by the NCC’s Lagos Zonal Controller, Mr Tunji Jimoh, spoke about the increasing number of skilled workers leaving Nigeria for more lucrative opportunities abroad. 

The global demand for tech talent has seen a huge outflow of Nigerian experts, particularly in the telecom and software engineering fields. Quoting a report from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Maida revealed that in 2022 alone, over 500 software engineers and 2,000 telecom professionals left the country, creating a large skills gap that threatens the industry’s long-term sustainability.

In response, the NCC executive vice chairman outlined a series of measures aimed at addressing the talent drain. He urged telecom companies to provide remote work options and continuous learning opportunities, which would create a more appealing environment for professionals considering leaving the country. 

Added to this, he emphasised the importance of regular upskilling and reskilling programmes for employees to keep the workforce competitive and provide clear pathways for career advancement.

Another vital recommendation from the NCC executive vice chair was the formation of partnerships between telecom operators and educational institutions. Maida advocated for collaboration with universities, technical schools, and training institutes to ensure that graduates are trained with the skills needed to thrive in the sector. 

He also highlighted the importance of internships, apprenticeships, and industry-sponsored research as practical steps to integrate young talent into the workforce.

Maida further suggested that mentorship programmes be established across the industry, allowing experienced professionals to pass on their expertise to the next generation of telecom workers. This, he noted, would help to close the skills gap and encourage knowledge transfer, keeping the sector competitive on a global scale.

The NCC has also taken steps to address the issue of talent migration through its initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous content and improving digital infrastructure. The commission’s involvement in the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which seeks to train three million Nigerians in digital skills by 2027, is one such effort. 

In collaboration with partners like Nokia, the NCC has set up a 4G/5G test lab, which will provide young Nigerians with hands-on experience and relevant industry knowledge.

Bukola Olanrewaju, managing editor of Business Remarks and organiser of TSSF 5.0, highlighted the implications of human capital flight, noting that it leads to unignorable challenges in the telecom industry and beyond. 

She explained that the talent exodus doesn’t just drain the industry of innovation but also leads to diminished intellectual capacity, weakened competitiveness, and reduced research and development capabilities. Olanrewaju noted a PwC analysis, which projected a potential loss of $4.7 billion in productivity and tax revenue for Nigeria by 2027 due to the ongoing brain drain.

Despite the challenges, Olanrewaju pointed to opportunities for growth within the sector. In addressing the underlying causes of the talent exodus, such as poor working conditions and a lack of professional development opportunities, the industry could create a more resilient and prosperous environment. 

The focus, she said, should be on promoting a supportive work culture, offering competitive compensation, and investing in talent retention strategies that will position Nigeria’s telecom sector for sustained growth.

The talent exodus remains a huge threat to the future of the Nigerian telecommunications industry, but with coordinated efforts between the government, telecom operators, and educational institutions, the sector can build a workforce that is both innovative and trained to tackle the challenges of the global market.