Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has raised fresh concerns about Nigeria’s labour market, pointing to a widening gap between job seekers and employable skills.
She made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Platform, citing a recent discussion with industrialist Aliko Dangote.
“Too many CVs, not enough skills”
Adeosun said Dangote expressed frustration over the difficulty of recruiting qualified staff locally, despite receiving large volumes of applications.
“I had a conversation with Dangote recently… he told me it’s not that he wants to employ foreigners but he can’t get staff in Nigeria,” she said.
She noted that the situation suggests a deeper structural issue within the country’s workforce.
Growing mismatch in labour market
According to Adeosun, the problem goes beyond unemployment figures, pointing instead to a disconnect between education and industry needs.
She warned that many graduates lack practical, job-ready skills, making it difficult for employers to fill roles even when vacancies exist.
Echoes of earlier concerns
Her comments come shortly after Moniepoint CEO Tosin Eniolorunda revealed that the fintech company is struggling to fill over 500 roles due to a shortage of qualified candidates.
The parallel concerns from both the industrial and tech sectors have intensified discussions around Nigeria’s workforce readiness.
Online reactions highlight deeper tensions
The remarks have triggered mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians blaming poor education and lack of training opportunities, while others questioned whether companies are offering competitive salaries.
The debate continues to reflect broader concerns about wages, employability, and the future of Nigeria’s workforce.
Even Dangote is struggling to hire Nigerians. So, it is not just a Moniepoint problem.
If I were you, I will ignore those arguing on social media and start positioning myself. pic.twitter.com/p7P7XVyPj6— 𝗔𝗱𝗲́𝘀𝗶́𝗻𝗮̀ 🇳🇬 (@OryHarde) May 5, 2026