Nigerian Outsourcing Operators Push for Reforms

At the 2026 Outsourcing Expo in Lagos, Nigerian outsourcing operators called for reforms to strengthen the country's position in the global outsourcing market. Foluso Phillip, chairman of Phillip Group, highlighted Nigeria's demographic advantage, particularly its large youth population, as a key asset.

He cautioned that the sector's growth is hindered by weak compliance standards and the need for a knowledge-driven export industry. Emilomo Arorot, group head of human resources at Sahara Group Ltd, identified the absence of a clear regulatory framework as a significant challenge, noting that companies currently rely on the reputation of outsourcing providers without industry-wide benchmarks.

She emphasized the importance of employee welfare as part of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Bobbi Varanasi, CEO of Regen Future, remarked that regulatory compliance should be viewed as a growth opportunity rather than a burden, as global clients increasingly assess providers' ability to manage risks and protect sensitive information.