Nigeria’s Telecom Sector Sounds Alarm on Skills Shortage, Demands Training Overhaul
Story, written by Uzuh Rita September 10,2025
Leaders in the sector warned that without decisive action, the skills gap could undermine Nigeria’s digital transformation targets, including the government’s plan to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), proposed the establishment of a dedicated Telecoms Academy that would provide vocational training and globally recognized certifications. He also suggested a new service model that licenses certified contractors to deliver technical support nationwide.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) confirmed that the industry is losing skilled workers at an alarming rate, with more than 2,000 telecom professionals leaving the country in recent years. President Tony Emoekpere listed urgent needs in areas such as 5G deployment, cybersecurity, fibre optics, cloud engineering, and data centre operations.
Regulators echoed these concerns. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), revealed that while employers require 30% of advanced digital skills, only 11% of workers currently meet the standard. He said this gap threatens the sector’s growth despite its contribution of over 500,000 jobs since liberalisation in 2001.
To address the crisis, the NCC pointed to ongoing initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the National AI Strategy, and partnerships with private sector players like MTN, Airtel, and IHS, who are investing in scholarships and innovation hubs.
Stakeholders agreed that bridging the talent gap will require collaboration between government, industry, academia, and international partners. “To keep talent in Nigeria, we must not only train them but also give them reasons to stay,” Adebayo stressed.
