Follow Us on Google
• Fate of workers hangs in the balance
• Tech experts say jobs are evolving, not disappearing, as AI turns new bride
By Ngozi Nwoke
The future of the labour market is becoming uncertain, as automation and digital transformation are increasingly gaining grounds.
Various roles in communication, banking, customer service, manufacturing, agriculture, administration, information, entertainment, writing, editing, and postal services, as well as the jobs of data entry clerks, cashiers, bookkeeping clerks, among others, are being affected by the transformation.
In the communication sector, the rise of digital communication and online payment systems has reduced the need for physical mail and postal orders. This has led to a decline in postal service jobs. Automated software and AI-powered tools are also taking over tasks like scheduling, data entry, and document preparation, reducing the demand for traditional secretarial roles.
The typewriter, once a staple in offices, has become a relic. Computers and digital keyboards have made document preparation more efficient. Shorthand writers are also finding it challenging to secure jobs as digital recording devices and transcription software become more prevalent.
In the entertainment sector, digital radios and online streaming services have replaced manual radios, offering better sound quality and convenience. Physical libraries are also giving way to digital libraries and online resources, allowing people to access information and books digitally. The music industry has seen a significant shift, with digital music streaming services making physical CDs almost obsolete.
Writing and editing skills have not been spared either. AI-powered language tools are increasingly capable of handling straightforward proofreading tasks, reducing the need for human proof-readers. Even the way special occasions are celebrated are changing, with digital greeting cards and social media platforms reducing the need for physical greeting cards.
As digital communication and online services continue to grow, postal services are being replaced with modern technologies that offer faster and even more efficient communication channels, putting jobs at risk.
These industries were once major employers of labour but are now experiencing significant reductions in their workforce.
This development has worsened and increased Nigeria’s already significant unemployment challenges, particularly among young people, as companies adopt technologies that are more efficient than human capacity.
Technology experts, digital practitioners, human resource managers, and data analysts, as well as other experts in various sectors, emphasise that this transformation also presents opportunities.
They noted that new industries and job roles are emerging and require skills in technology, data analysis, and digital marketing.
The experts implored Nigerian workers to adapt to these changes and acquire the necessary skills in order to find new opportunities in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship.
The government and private sector employers are also charged to play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for this shift such as investing in education and software programmes that focus on emerging technologies to help workers transition to new roles.
Additionally, policies that support innovation and entrepreneurship could enable Nigerians to create new job opportunities in the digital economy.
Human resource managers also say the impact of automation and digitalisation on unemployment in Nigeria will depend on the ability of workers, businesses, and the government to adapt and innovate in response to these changes.
They opined that with the right strategies and investments, Nigeria can harness the potential of technology to create a more dynamic and prosperous workforce.
Opeyemi Falana, senior accountant and financial advisor, Daystar Power Group, explained that the rising tide of automation and digitalisation in Nigeria is poised to have far-reaching financial implications for businesses operating in the country.
According to the expert, while the trend may lead to significant cost savings through reduced labour and operational costs; it also poses a major concern – job displacement, particularly for roles that involve routine tasks.
He noted: “Digital transformation can unlock new business models, revenue streams, and increased competitiveness through data analytics and expanded market reach.
“Increased efficiency and productivity, improved accuracy, and reduced errors are just a few benefits that businesses can derive from embracing automation and digitalisation.
“The potential for new job creation in tech and digital fields could, however, mitigate the impact of job displacement in other areas.”
Falana emphasised that to stay ahead of the curve, financial professionals must leverage automation and digital tools to enhance financial analysis, accounting, and auditing processes.
“By harnessing the power of automated accounting, advanced analytics, and digital auditing, professionals can streamline financial transactions, gain deeper insights, and identify potential risks.
“To maximise these benefits, businesses must invest in on-going training, stay updated with emerging technologies, and continuously monitor digital tools.
“As Nigeria’s economy continues to evolve, it’s clear that automation and digitalisation will play a critical role in shaping the financial landscape. By embracing these changes, businesses can position themselves for success and drive growth in the years to come.”
Also reacting, renowned Lagos-based security expert, Mandu Obot urged Nigerian workers to adapt to the rapidly changing job market driven by automation and digitalisation.
Speaking on the impact of technology on various sectors, Obot noted that while machines may replace some jobs, they would also create new ones that require skilled and tech-aware workers.
According to Obot, the security industry is a prime example of how jobs are evolving, not disappearing.
He stated: “In my field as a security expert, the job operations are changing by embracing technology and innovation, not disappearing. We need smarter guards who are willing to adapt to this new change, better trained, and more agile. The guard of tomorrow is part technician, part communicator, and part risk manager.”
Obot noted that other sectors, such as banking, agriculture, retail, and transportation, are also undergoing significant changes. While automated systems may handle certain tasks, workers are still essential for resolving disputes, building trust, managing financial risks, and providing customer support.
To stay relevant in an automated world, Obot advised Nigerian workers to be flexible, tech-aware, and willing to learn, while employers of labour should invest in up-skilling their staff rather than replacing them with machines.
The security expert emphasised that while machines can perform many tasks, they cannot replace empathy, instinct, or judgment.
“We are standing at the edge of a transformation. For some, it will feel like a threat, but for those who prepare, it will be a window of opportunity,” he declared.
Obot concluded that by embracing technology and adapting to it, Nigerian workers can not only keep their jobs but also redefine them, elevate them, and create entirely new ones for the next generation.
Emmanuel Michael, a leadership coach and Founder at HRwithEM and Director of Human Resources, Eko Hotels & Suites, stated that Nigerian workers must combine technical proficiency with human-centred capabilities to remain relevant in the digital era.
He emphasised the need for workers to develop basic to advanced tech skills, including data analysis, cloud computing, and AI tools.
“The most valuable workers will be those who can navigate the complexities of technology while still maintaining a human touch,” Michael said.
According to him, adaptability and continuous learning are essential skills for workers to survive in the digital age.
According to Michael, the ability to unlearn and relearn quickly is crucial in today’s fast-paced technological landscape. He also stressed the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, emotional and spiritual intelligence, and leadership in an AI-driven world.
On the role of HR departments, Michael urged them to evolve from being policy enforcers to becoming learning enablers.
“HR departments must create a culture of lifelong learning, embed microlearning platforms, and collaborate with online learning providers to equip workers with relevant digital skills,” he said.
He also advocated for organisations to reimagine work, redefine roles, invest in reskilling, and promote human-machine collaboration.
“The most forward-thinking companies will be those that combine tech adoption with human investment,” Michael stated.
According to Joan Okolo, a digital marketing and social media strategist, digital skills are now basic life skills that can boost one’s value as a job seeker or business owner.
Okolo noted that brands, especially small businesses, are looking for people who can wear multiple hats.
“Brands are looking for team members who understand how to create content, manage social media, respond to customers online, or even help with small ad campaigns,” she said, emphasising that learning digital skills is not a one-time task but rather a continuous process.
“You don’t need to know everything at once. But learning how to use tools like Canva, Google Docs, Instagram, Mailchimp, or even scheduling apps like Notion or Trello can really boost your value.”
Okolo attributed her success in the digital space to her curiosity and willingness to learn. “I play around with tools, watch tutorials, and practise on the go. A lot of what I know today came from doing small tasks, helping brands figure things out, and saying ‘yes’ even when I didn’t feel 100 per cent ready,” she said.
The strategist stressed that digital transformation is not just about buying software or opening a social media page but about helping teams feel confident using those tools.
Okolo also emphasised the importance of hiring for mindset, not just credentials, and encouraging small experiments. According to her, organisations that empower their staff, especially in the digital space, are the ones that grow faster and attract better talents. “The truth is that people don’t resist change. They resist feeling unsupported during change,” she said.
To support the campaign for technology skill set, life coach and talent manager, Becky Olagunju, explained that many jobs that were once performed by humans are now being automated, leaving workers wondering about their future. She strongly advised that parents and guardians should also indulge their children and wards in digital technology training.
She said: “The world is going digital, and everyone is quickly adapting to this fast-paced change. To secure jobs in Nigeria with digital development, one has to stay current and relevant. Automated software apps and machines are now capable of performing tasks with high accuracy and efficiency, reducing the need for human labour and creating unemployment.
“Customer service representatives are also at risk, as companies increasingly adopt automated chatbots to handle customer inquiries. Machine operators are being replaced by robots and computer-controlled machines that can perform tasks with precision and speed.
“This is an urgent call for parents to also get their children equipped and trained in the technology world to ensure that they aren’t unemployed but self-employed or employed in the future,” Olagunju advised.
