NCC calls for urgent action, says telecom industry faces brain drain crisis

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has raised alarms over the critical issue of brain drain in the telecommunications sector, warning of its potential to destabilize the industry’s growth and sustainability.

Speaking at the Fifth Edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0), held in Lagos and organized by Business Remarks, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the talent exodus.

Represented by the NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, Mr. Tunji Jimoh, Maida underscored the centrality of skilled professionals to innovation and development.

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He highlighted that the global demand for tech talent has resulted in significant talent migration from Nigeria, leaving critical gaps in the industry. “Talent is the lifeblood of innovation and development. Losing skilled professionals is a major setback for our industry,” Maida stated.

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

This exodus, he warned, poses a significant risk to the sector’s future. “This trend, if left unchecked, could jeopardize the growth and sustainability of the industry,” he cautioned.

To combat the growing skills gap, Maida urged stakeholders to adopt proactive measures, including:Flexible Work Policies; Competitive Remuneration; Continuous Professional Development; Partnerships with Academia and mentorship Programs

Maida proposed additional strategies, including internships, apprenticeships, and industry-sponsored research projects, to integrate students and recent graduates into the workforce.

He also emphasized the need for telecom operators to invest in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). “Adopting advanced technologies creates an exciting and innovative environment that appeals to professionals,” he said.

The NCC, Maida revealed, is actively tackling the talent challenge through several initiatives. Among these is the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program, launched by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The program aims to train 3 million Nigerians in digital and technical skills by 2027.

Additionally, the NCC is partnering with Nokia to provide a 4G/5G test lab to equip young Nigerians with industry-required skills. The Commission also promotes indigenous content development through the Nigeria Office for Developing Indigenous Content for Telecoms Sector (NODITS).

To foster a sustainable and innovative telecom ecosystem, Maida called on companies to invest in research and development and support entrepreneurship. He stressed that creating an environment where Nigerian professionals can pioneer new technologies is crucial for the sector’s long-term growth.

“Professionals, especially in the tech sector, seek environments where they feel valued, engaged, and free to explore new ideas,” Maida noted. By addressing these needs, the industry can reverse the brain drain and ensure a steady pipeline of talent.

The forum concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate in tackling the pressing issue of brain drain, ensuring the telecom sector remains a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic and technological development.