The Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, has expressed concern over a significant talent shortage, revealing that the company is currently unable to fill nearly 500 open roles.
Speaking at an event in Lagos on May 1, Eniolorunda explained that despite a strategic decision to focus on recruiting within Nigeria, the company has struggled to find candidates who meet its expectations.
He noted that the challenge goes beyond the number of applicants, emphasizing that many candidates do not meet the level of expertise required for a company operating in a global market.
According to him, Moniepoint competes internationally and therefore needs highly skilled professionals who can match global standards. However, identifying such talent locally has proven difficult.
Eniolorunda linked the issue to deeper structural challenges, including gaps in the education system and shifting values among young people. He suggested that social influences and environmental factors are shaping career priorities in ways that may not support long-term professional growth.
He also raised concerns about the increasing attraction to quick-money ventures, warning that such trends could discourage youths from pursuing sustainable career paths.
Additionally, he pointed to the ongoing migration of skilled Nigerians—popularly known as “japa”—as a major contributor to the shrinking talent pool.
The Moniepoint CEO called for stronger investment in human capital development, urging stakeholders to promote mentorship, skill-building, and positive role models for the younger generation.
He stressed that with Nigeria’s large population, there are numerous legitimate paths to success beyond shortcuts, and emphasized the need to refocus on building capacity for the future.