Nigerian Outsourcing Sector Faces Challenges Amid Economic Volatility
The President of the Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Nigeria, Mope Abudu, has highlighted the significant headwinds affecting the outsourcing sector, including infrastructure deficiencies, lack of policy and standards for outsourcing services, and declining educational standards of the labour force. Abudu made these remarks at the 11th Edition Outsourcing Expo, themed ‘Navigating Economic Volatility: Strategies for Sustainable Outsourcing in Nigeria,’ held recently in Lagos.
“The business and economic environment in Nigeria continues to be one of volatility and uncertainty. Yet as solution providers, outsourcing service providers must be agile and innovative in their value proposition to stay relevant and sustainable,” Abudu said.
She emphasised that the expo aimed to address critical issues and to leverage the core strength of outsourcing: providing solutions. According to Abudu, outsourcing offers a unique opportunity to harness the skills, capacity, and excellence of third-party providers who can deliver value and competence at competitive prices.
“As professionals, we can positively improve the productivity, output, and outcomes of our clients through our continuous improvement and support,” she added.
Abudu stressed the importance of realistic and achievable strategies, underscoring the need for detailed plans to foster structured engagements with buyers and the government. She highlighted the outsourcing industry’s role in contributing to Nigeria’s economic empowerment, noting its significant impact on job creation and its role as a catalyst for digitalisation to enhance global competitiveness.
“We must also fashion out sustainable business models that allow diversification of our outsourcing offerings to attract clientele beyond the usual sectors and even to other geographies,” Abudu concluded.
