News
Report Shows 1 in 2 Nigerians Want to Move Abroad—Why It’s More Than Just a Statistic

With nearly half of Nigeria’s population expressing interest in relocating abroad, as Gallup recent data indicates, the desire to seek greener pastures has become more prominent. When surveyed, 1 in 2 Nigerians say they would want to move abroad for work, school or to expand their business.
This trend, fueled by economic and political instability, suggests a rising number of skilled Nigerians could enrich foreign workforces and economies. While it offers opportunities for individual growth and development, it also raises concerns about a potential brain drain.
The desire to seek better opportunities abroad is understandable. Nigeria’s talented youth, often stifled by systemic challenges, are eager to contribute to the global workforce. It’s not just Nigeria, Liberia for instance according to the report by Gallup has more than 70% of its surveyed population showing interest in moving abroad.
“More than a third of Africans want to move permanently to live somewhere else, a new high, according to a 2023 survey by Gallup. In 2012, 29% wanted to migrate; last year the number was 37%”, says Alexandra Onukwue who writes for Semafor.
However, this exodus can have detrimental effects on the nation’s economic growth and development. As skilled professionals leave, the country loses valuable human capital that could drive innovation and create jobs.
To address this issue, it’s crucial to create an environment that fosters talent and innovation within Nigeria. This involves implementing policies that promote economic growth, reduce corruption, and improve the quality of life. Additionally, investing in education and skills development can equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed.
This is why Vesti is playing an important role as a “Software Engineering Location of Choice” and its dedication to nurturing and developing top talent.
The company has ambitious plans to create over 600 engineering jobs in Lagos over the next two years and 1,500 new engineering jobs in the state by 2027. Although the Dallas-headquartered Vesti serves users from over 15 countries through its mobile apps and website, it has notable presence in the UK, Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria and recently expanded to Canada.
Olusola Amusan, CEO of Vesti, highlights the significance of this migration. “Nigeria is full of talented individuals eager to make a difference, and they are looking globally for opportunities.
Vesti is committed to making that transition as smooth as possible by equipping them with the right resources to succeed abroad,” Amusan said. Amusan emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to migration. “We can’t stop migration, but we can make it seamless, while building room for creative ways for immigrants to send money back home and develop their home countries”, Amusan continues.
While it’s essential to support those seeking opportunities abroad, it’s equally important to create a thriving ecosystem within Nigeria. By investing in education, technology, and entrepreneurship, Nigeria can retain its talent and drive economic growth.
As global economies increasingly need skilled labor, platforms like Vesti are meeting a critical need, helping individuals navigate complex immigration processes.
However, the challenge is ensuring that this migration trend contributes positively to both Nigeria and host countries.
The UN Office on Migration warns against the risks of “brain drain” and emphasizes the need for balanced migration policies. Since the Vesti app allows people from other countries to move to Nigeria by showcasing Nigeria’s strategic advantages, the app is one the ways Amusan things we can balance the scales.
To fully harness the power of migration to create a better future for all, a concerted effort is needed from both the Nigerian government and the international community. The Nigerian government must prioritize education and skills development to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in a globalized world.
Creating a conducive business environment, reducing corruption, and promoting transparency are essential for attracting investment and fostering innovation. By implementing these measures, Nigeria can retain its talent and encourage entrepreneurship. Retention is however becoming an old trick, countries are trying export, talent export.
The idea of talent export is to partner with multinationals in destination countries, cities, states and national governments, to export talent with the intent to bring foreign direct investment or simply remittances back to the home country. There are a couple of white papers that further explain this model.
International cooperation is crucial in addressing the complex issues surrounding migration. Countries should collaborate to establish skilled worker programs that benefit both sending and receiving nations.
Encouraging the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s development through investments and knowledge sharing can also have a significant impact. Additionally, it’s imperative to ensure fair labor practices and protect the rights of migrant workers.
With this trend likely to continue, countries need to recognize the value Nigerian immigrants bring. By easing entry for skilled Nigerian professionals, host countries stand to benefit from a motivated workforce ready to contribute.
At the same time, initiatives like Vesti with over 800,000 downloads in the Google Playstore, are crucial for empowering these professionals to be both successful and well-integrated abroad.
Despite how many people love Vesti, its current success is still a scratch in a market where Vesti wants to help 50m-100m people by 2028. Vesti’s apps can be downloaded in App Store and the Google Play store or via Wevesti.com
News
Manager, Others Arraigned for Allegedly Hacking into Premium Trust Bank’s Server

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, charged five defendants before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into the server of Premium Trust Bank.
The defendants are listed as the bank’s e-payment service manager, Matthew Adeniyi; Kehinde Odeyemi, a nursing mother; Samson Latshin, Bolaji Omotosho and Sunday Okunnola.
They were charged before Justice Alexander Owoeye, on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime and unlawful access to the bank’s database.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Mrs. Zeenat Atiku, prosecutor, alleged that they committed the offence between April and May this year, in collaboration with three others, now at large.
Those still at large are Isa Ismaila, Victor Joshua, also known as ‘Oracle’ as well as one other, simply identified as Humble.
According to the charge, the first defendant unlawfully disclosed sensitive credentials, including the bank’s server IP and domain details, to these parties.
She said this enabled an unauthorised access to the bank’s database and the consequent data breach allegedly resulted in financial gains of $10,000.
The prosecutor also alleged that the defendants attempted to intercept the bank’s network and procured a Hewlett-Packard ProBook 440 G9 laptop (serial No. SN#5CD2473N6G) configured to bypass the bank’s security systems.
The anti-graft agency said the alleged offences contravened the provisions of sections 12(1)(b), 27, 28(1)(b)(c) and 28(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
Following their pleas, the prosecutor, requested for a trial date and sought an order to remand the defendants in custody.
Meanwhile, the court declined an oral bail by the defence counsel and directed that a formal bail application be filed.
He adjourned the case until June 30, for trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Nigerian correctional centre, pending bail.
The court, however, added that the defence may apply for an earlier trial date, upon filing their bail applications.
News
DBI Clocks 21, to Train 5m Workers

Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that it plans to train not less than five million workers in two years.

Mr David Daser, president/CEO DBI,
Speaking at an event in Abuja to mark the organisation’s twenty-one years of existence, Mr David Daser, president/CEO DBI, said that the investment in human capacity building by the Organisation is to ensure that Nigerians are well prepared to compete in the global market.
The event with the theme: “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market”, chronicled the birth of the DBI 21 years ago and the journey so far in a documentary produced by the Agency.
“Today, we commemorate a vision that took root over two decades ago, one that continues to flourish through innovation, excellence, and transformative impact across Nigeria and Africa.
“The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) was established on May 20, 2004, by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as a Centre of Excellence for ICT and telecommunications training.
“Today, we stand proud with a network of campuses, global partnerships, and thousands of empowered professionals contributing meaningfully to the digital economy.
“We recall with pride that the commissioning of DBI was graciously performed by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose commitment to knowledge-driven development gave this institution a strong and promising start”, the DBI President said.
Mr Daser said that the theme of the celebration, reflects the urgency of the DBI mission in a rapidly evolving digital world.
As technologies like AI, 5G, IoT, and cybersecurity redefine the future of work, DBI, he stated remains steadfast in its commitment to future proofing Nigeria’s workforce.
Not leaving out the architects that laid the foundation of the Institute, Mr Daser said that their legacies must live on.
“We owe our foundation to the foresight and patriotic vision of our founding fathers, notably the late Alhaji Ahmed Joda, former Chairman of the NCC, and Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, former Executive Vice Chairman.
“Their belief in the transformative power of digital knowledge gave birth to this noble institution.
We also honour the past Chief Executives who built the foundation upon which we proudly stand today”, he said.
According to him, upon assuming office in September 2024 as President/CEO, he inherit a resilient institution brimming with potential adding that since then, DBI has recorded several landmark achievements, which including a strategic partnership with Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS) Group to expand digital learning infrastructure.
Other achievements he listed include “the launch of the DBI Global Training Partner Program at our Lagos Campus;
“The ongoing Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Training Programme across all campuses.
“Graduation of Sightsavers training cohorts in Kano and Lagos.
“The commissioning of the Information Access Centre (IAC) by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani”.
The Digital Bridge Institute is also working towards the implementation of the NCC-DBI ADEPTI Programm described as a high impact NCC-funded initiative set to commence soon.
Only recently, Mr David Daser, was appointment as chairman of the Digital Literacy Technical Working Group by the Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), a Development considered a strong endorsement of DBI’s national leadership in the digital literacy space.
“While these accomplishments are significant, they are not ours alone. We remain deeply grateful to our founding and sustaining institution, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for its vision, guidance, and unflinching support.
“Looking ahead, DBI, through its global network of partners, aims to train five million Nigerian workers, across public and private sectors, in Artificial Intelligence over the next three years.
“This ambitious goal is already in motion, bolstered by the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Dr. Aminu Maida.
“Nigeria is poised to become a hub for AI innovation and training, and DBI is fully committed to making this a reality.
“To this end, we call on all Nigerians, leaders of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State governors, and local government authorities, to support and partner with DBI in this critical mission. Nigeria must not lag behind in the AI revolution”, Daser stressed.
Like any other human organisation Daser discosed that the DBI has experienced its share of ups and downs over the past 21 years.
“In the recent past, we faced a particularly challenging period during which it became a herculean task to pay staff salaries and allowances.
“Our facilities and office infrastructure across campuses deteriorated, and staff morale declined significantly, leading to a sense of disorientation among workers.
“But beyond these tangible difficulties, there were more complex undercurrents, seasons when the compass between this vessel and its founding lighthouse drifted, ever so slightly, from alignment.
“A fog of uncertainty hung over questions of identity, structure, and status. These internal tides, though rarely seen on the surface, stirred deep within the institutional waters, creating a rift that tested the very bridge we were built to uphold.
“Yet even in such a storm, we did not abandon the helm. Rather, we recalibrated our direction with resolve and mutual respect, understanding that even a well-built compass must sometimes reset to find true north.
He emphasised that the journey back to clarity is ongoing, “but it is steady, principled, and constructive”.
He commended the Federal government for its support and commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving Nigeria towards inclusive digital transformation saying that the future is not just bright, it is solid.
“We assure our partners of our unwavering dedication to effective service delivery, as we continue to foster and sustain collaborative efforts toward making the world a better place for all.
“As we mark 21 years of DBI, we look forward with renewed purpose, to bridge the digital divide and prepare a workforce ready to lead in tomorrow’s marketplace”, he said.
Delivering a lecture on bridging the digital divide: collaborative pathways to ICT work development in Nigeria, Mr Shola Osiloja, lead speaker, said that for over two decades, DBI has stood as a beacon of excellence in ICT education and training in Nigeria, living up to its founding vision as a bridge across the digital divide.
Mr Osiloja who is also the Chairman, sector Skills Council for Information and Communications Technology SSC-ICT, was represented by Mr Emeka Okafor, secretary-Council.
He said that in 2004, when DBI was established by the Nigerian Communications Commission, Nigeria had just witnessed the successful auction of Digital Mobile Licenses.
According to him, Mobile penetration was less than 5%. “The internet and telecommunication was a luxury. Digital literacy was a term unfamiliar to many.
Presently he stated, “We have over 120 million internet users. Mobile penetration exceeds 85%. We have vibrant tech hubs in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond.
“Nigerian startups are attracting global investment.
“This transformation – both national and personal – didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of deliberate, collaborative efforts to build digital capacity and bridge the skills gap.
“Let me take a moment to commend DBI.
For 21 years, DBI has not just trained individuals—it has trained a mindset, From ICT literacy programs to professional certifications, from rural empowerment initiatives to global partnerships, DBI stands as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s digital architecture”, he said.
Quoting the World Economic Forum, he said, “The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2027, 69% of companies globally will accelerate their adoption of AI, potentially displacing 85 million jobs while creating 97 million new ones.
“In Nigeria, the digital skills gap could cost our economy an estimated $11 billion annually in lost growth opportunities-The question before us is clear: How do we prepare Nigeria’s workforce not just for today’s market, but for tomorrow’s?”
Proferring solutions to what must be done to prepare Nigerian workers for tomorrow’s market, the Chairman listed Making digital skills the new literacyand to embed coding, digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI basics from secondary school.
Other suggestions he said include but not limited to, “every citizen must see digital fluency as fundamental as reading or writing.
“Institutionalise Work-Based Learning
Let’s make internships and apprenticeships mandatory in ICT programs. Let schools and startups co-design curricula that are relevant and adaptive.
“
News
ABoICT Awards: Honoring ICT Innovators Driving Nigeria’s Digital Future

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Nigeria has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades, significantly contributing to the country’s GDP and transforming various aspects of society.
The sector’s impact on the economy, education, healthcare, and governance has been profound, with numerous organizations and individuals playing key roles in its development.
As the ICT sector continues to evolve, its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and development cannot be overstated. The sector has created new opportunities for businesses, improved access to information and services, and enhanced the overall quality of life for many Nigerians.
To recognize and celebrate the efforts of those who have driven this growth, the Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards (ABoICT) will hold its 16th edition on May 24, 2025, at Four Points by Sheraton.
This special edition, tagged “ICT Growth Edition 2025,” aims to honor organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the ICT sector in Nigeria.
According to Ken Nwogbo, Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, the organizers of the event, “Most of these organizations and individuals have consistently been voted by our readers as leaders in their areas of operations, and we have decided to reward them in this special edition.”
The event will feature a keynote lecture by Prof. Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode – Cybersecurity and GRC Expert, who will discuss the impact of ICT on Nigeria’s growth and development.
The lecture will highlight the importance of ICT in driving economic growth, improving governance, and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.
In his remarks, Nwogbo emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, noting that AI-powered security tools can detect and respond to threats in real-time.
He also highlighted the need for robust data security, ethical AI development, and collaboration among cybersecurity professionals and AI researchers. “Artificial intelligence transforms cybersecurity by automating responses to risks, detecting unusual activity, and even foreseeing possible dangers before they occur,” he said.
The ABoICT Awards ceremony promises to be a grand affair, recognizing the contributions of key players in the ICT sector and celebrating their achievements. As the sector continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts of those who have driven its growth and development, paving the way for a more digitally empowered future for Nigeria.
- E-Financial3 days ago
Access Holdings Sets Benchmark in Fraud Prevention With ₦193.5Bn Tech Investment
- E-Financial3 days ago
MTN’s Digital Lending Arm Disburses $592m Loans in Q1
- E-Financial3 days ago
FG Verifies 2m Households for Cash Transfer
- E-Financial3 days ago
Access Bank, Deloitte Partner to Equip SMEs with Tools for Growth
- News3 days ago
SERAP Asks Ojulari, NNPC CEO to Account for Missing N500Bn or Face Legal Action
- E-Business3 days ago
FG Launches Online Citizenship, Business Management Platform
- Telecom3 days ago
Equinix Expands Digital Footprint in Nigeria with Launch of LG2.3 Data Center
- General News3 days ago
NOTAP Urges South Eastern Entrepreneurs to Embrace Franchising as Business Model