The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed concern over the alarming rate of talent migration from Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. In 2022 alone, over 500 software engineers and 2,000 telecom professionals left the country, posing a significant risk to the industry’s sustainability. Speaking at the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 5.0), NCC Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida urged telecom companies to implement flexible work policies, improve pay, and foster a culture of innovation to retain talent.
The talent exodus, driven by the global demand for tech professionals, could result in a skills gap that may affect innovation and the sector’s long-term growth. The NCC recommended partnerships between telecom companies and educational institutions to address these challenges by developing relevant industry skills. It also highlighted its participation in the “3 Million Technical Talent” program, which aims to train three million Nigerians in digital skills by 2027【7†source】【9†source】【8†source】.