NCC urges telecom operators to enhance work policies, pay to curb talent exodus

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on telecom operators to adopt more flexible work policies, improve employee compensation, and foster a culture of innovation to attract and retain skilled professionals in Nigeria.

 This appeal comes amid growing concerns over the mass migration of tech talent from Nigeria to other countries.

Speaking at the Fifth Edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0) organized by Business Remarks, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida highlighted the urgency of addressing the talent exodus that threatens the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

Represented by NCC Lagos Zonal Controller Mr. Tunji Jimoh, Maida emphasized that “talent is the lifeblood of innovation and development,” and the loss of skilled professionals represents a significant setback.

Maida noted that global demand for tech talent has led many of Nigeria’s brightest minds to seek more lucrative opportunities abroad, creating a severe talent gap in the local industry.

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Citing a report by the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), he revealed that over 500 software engineers and more than 2,000 telecom professionals left Nigeria in 2022 alone.

He warned that, if left unchecked, this trend could jeopardize the future growth of the sector.

To combat this brain drain, Maida urged telecom companies to implement strategies that make the local industry more attractive to professionals.

He suggested offering remote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and fostering collaborative environments that encourage creativity. These measures, he said, would help retain talent by creating workplaces where professionals feel valued and have room for growth.

He also stressed the importance of upskilling and reskilling initiatives, encouraging telecom operators to invest in the professional development of their existing workforce. “By offering employees opportunities for career advancement, companies provide incentives for talent to stay within the organization,” Maida added.

Additionally, Maida called for stronger partnerships between the telecom sector and educational institutions. He suggested that companies engage with universities, technical schools, and training institutes to create tailored programs aimed at preparing graduates with the skills needed in the industry.

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On its part, the NCC has been working to mitigate talent migration through various initiatives, including efforts to promote indigenous content, improve infrastructure, and create a supportive environment for digital growth.

One notable initiative is the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program, launched by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, which aims to train 3 million Nigerians in digital and technical skills by 2027. The NCC is also partnering with Nokia to provide 4G/5G test labs to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills.

In her welcome address at TSSF 5.0, Business Remarks Managing Editor Bukola Olanrewaju addressed the impact of human capital flight on the telecom industry.

She highlighted that the exodus of skilled professionals, driven by the “Japa” syndrome, poses serious challenges, including diminished innovation and intellectual capital. Nigerian banks, particularly, have felt the effects of this talent drain, with many IT departments struggling to maintain operations due to depleted staff, leading to service disruptions.

As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of retaining its skilled workforce, the NCC’s call for action signals a growing recognition of the importance of creating a competitive, attractive work environment to ensure the telecom industry’s sustainability.