The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) highlights that 65 percent of Nigerian employers cite skill gaps as a major barrier to organisational transformation.
Although, Nigeria mirrors this issue which is also a global trend, it also faces unique challenges. Roles such as AI and machine learning specialists, data analysts, and sustainability Experts are among the fastest-growing, with net increases of 82 percent, 41 percent, and 33 percent respectively.
Digital transformation is reshaping employer priorities. Network and cyber security skills are in highest demand, with 87 percent of Nigerian employers identifying them as critical, well above the global average of 70 percent. Other sought-after competencies include AI and big data proficiency, systems thinking, customer service, and global citizenship.
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However, significant barriers persist. In addition to the 65 percent skills gap, half of employers report difficulty attracting talent, resistance to organisational change, and regulatory inflexibility. Limited investment capital further compounds these challenges.
As global labour trends accelerate, driven by technological disruption, demographic shifts, and the green transition, Nigeria must urgently invest in human capital to remain competitive.
According to Tshif Dombo, human resource value engineer at SAP Africa, said, “There’s a balancing act between upskilling and reskilling, and a lot of organisations right now want to be skills-based organisations”.
“The issue is that there’s still a maturity gap around skills, how we define them, how we measure them, and how we connect them back to business outcomes.”
Globally, reports from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report 2025 survey of over 1,000 large enterprises across 55 economies, projects that 170 million jobs will be created globally over the next five years, while 92 million will be displaced. More than a billion roles are expected to evolve in form and function. These projections signals a profound shift in the nature of work.
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Global Trends: The rise of tech and green roles
Across international markets, demand is surging for roles such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning experts, and software developers. Green economy positions, such as autonomous vehicle engineers, environmental scientists, and renewable energy experts, are also climbing the ranks.
Conversely, traditional roles like bank tellers, postal clerks, and administrative assistants are experiencing steep declines. Employers globally are prioritising analytical thinking, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, alongside soft skills like creativity, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
Nigeria’s labour landscape: Opportunities and challenges
The report emphasises that public-sector investment in reskilling is vital. Stakeholders across government, industry, and education must collaborate to ensure Nigerian talent is future-ready. While resumes may still hold relevance, the future belongs to those who can adapt, learn, and lead in a world defined by change.
The skills gap is not merely a statistic, but a barrier to growth, innovation, and inclusion. As technological disruption, climate imperatives, and economic uncertainty reshape the global labour market, Nigeria must act decisively.
The report also recommends that 73 percent of Nigerian employers advocate for increased government funding, while 40 percent stress the need for improved transport infrastructure to support workforce mobility.
Organisations must also play their part by embedding upskilling into corporate culture and strengthening change management strategies. Without such commitment, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global race for talent.
