*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission urges telecoms companies to address the apparent talent migration overseas through proactive measures, including remote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and collaborative spaces that encourage innovation, creativity to attract and retain professionals in the industry 聽

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In ensuring the retention of skilled professionals while focusing on the sector鈥檚 continued growth, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasised the significance of creating a conducive environment that values and nurtures talents in the telecoms sector of the country鈥檚 economy.

绿帽献妻 reports the NCC, which noted this at a recent forum, in Lagos, urged telecoms industry stakeholders to further evolve an environment crucial to retaining skilled professionals in the all-important sector.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), emphasising this while speaking at the 5th Edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF) 5.0 with the theme, 鈥淢itigating the Effects of Talent Exodus and its Impact on the Growth of Nigeria鈥檚 Telecommunications Industry鈥�, urged telecoms companies to adopt flexible, labour-friendly work policies, improve remuneration packages, and foster a culture of innovation in workplaces.

Impact of talent migration on telecoms industry growth

In regard to the apparently disquieting rate of talent exodus from Nigeria鈥檚 telecommunications sector in recent times, Dr. Maida, represented at the forum by Mr. Tunji Jimoh, NCC Lagos Zonal Controller, called for immediate action to prevent further loss of skilled professionals in the telecoms sector of the economy.

The Commission also disclosed that over 500 software engineers, and more than 2,000 trained telecoms experts left Nigeria, in 2022, thereby posing a significant threat to the industry鈥檚 future.

Maida equally warned that the global demand for technology talents has driven several Nigerian brightest minds to seek more lucrative opportunities overseas.

He opined if this trend is left unchecked, the development could create a skills gap that threatens the sustainability of the telecom sector in the West African country.

Referencing a report by the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the NCC EVC/CEO further expatiated on how the exodus of telecoms professionals is a major setback in the telecoms sector.

According to him, the loss of such tech talents directly impacts innovation and development in the industry.

How Nigerian telecoms companies can address talent migration, by Maida 聽

However, as part of measures to address the talent migration challenge, Dr. Maida encouraged telecom companies to offer more attractive working conditions to attract and retain good hands.

The NCC Chief stated: 鈥淩emote work options, continuous learning opportunities, and collaborative spaces that encourage creativity will make the local telecoms sector more appealing to professionals who might otherwise seek opportunities abroad.鈥�

Underscoring the importance of regular upskilling and reskilling initiatives to enhance the competencies of the existing workforce, Maida as well noted that investing in professional development not only improves a company鈥檚 talent pool but also provides incentives for employees to remain in Nigeria.

Besides, the Commission advocated that telecoms companies partner with educational institutions to create programmes tailored to industry needs.

According to the EVC/CEO of NCC, such partnership will help address the talent gap and build pool of young industry professionals eager to contribute to growth of the telecoms sector in the West African country.

The Commission also highlighted its own role in curbing talent migration through initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous content and improving the infrastructure necessary for digital growth in Nigeria.

鈥淭he Commission is actively participating in the 3 Million Technical Talent, 3MTT, programme initiated by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which aims to train 3 million Nigerians in digital and technical skills by 2027,鈥� stated Maida.

Kindly Share This Story