Nigeria, a West African country with the largest population on the continent, ranks fifth among the top 10 African nations with the highest number of citizens willing to migrate to other countries. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, 51% of Nigerian citizens expressed interest in leaving the nation.
Several factors contribute to citizens or residents of a country deciding to emigrate. These factors often include poverty, poor governance, corruption, inadequate remuneration, insecurity, and other socio-economic challenges. One of the most significant impacts of emigration on the home country is the loss of skilled labour, commonly referred to as “brain drain.” This phenomenon occurs when highly educated and talented individuals, such as doctors, engineers, and IT professionals, leave their country for better opportunities.
Nigeria’s Brain Drain Crisis
Nigeria’s brain drain, particularly in the healthcare sector, is alarming. The scarcity of qualified professionals has been exacerbated by the large exodus of medical experts. On March 11, 2024 Vanguard reported that 16,000 doctors had left Nigeria over the past five years. This emigration of professionals is colloquially referred to as “Japa” in Nigeria.
A Nigerian doctor attending to a patient. Source: TheCable.
While Nigeria’s brain drain is significant, other African countries are facing similar challenges. A survey conducted by Gallup revealed that 76% of Liberian are interested in emigrating, followed by Sierra Leone (75%), Ghana (65%), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (54%). In the same survey, Comoros recorded 48%, Togo 45%, Eswatini 45%, Guinea 44% and 32% in South Africa, while the general desire to migrate is relatively low in South Africa, 69% of job applicants are willing to leave the country for better opportunities. Additionally, 45% of employed individuals with over 10 years of experience are inclined to relocate abroad.
Ghana follows a similar trend, with many citizens seeking better opportunities in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States. In 2019, 161,082 Ghanaians emigrated to the United States, while 124,093 relocated to the United Kingdom. These patterns highlight how highly qualified and experienced job seekers are increasingly inclined to move abroad, leading to a critical brain drain of local talent.
Source: Business Day Nigeria
Experts’ Perspectives
Stephen Olakunle, a public affairs analyst and head of operations at Limebric Consults in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, called on the government to be more proactive in addressing these issues. “The federal government in Nigeria needs to up its game by making life comfortable for citizens,” he said. He identified the rising cost of living, economic instability, and insecurity as significant factors driving emigration. Olakunle warned that without immediate action, Nigeria risks losing its best talents across various sectors, potentially hindering economic and developmental progress.
Paul Matthew, a public policy expert and popular radio commentator in Osun State, advised emigrants to ensure their reasons for leaving are genuine and to follow legal migration paths. He noted, “Everyone has reasons to exit the country. However, in attempting this, it is important to journey through the right path. The effect of this is that the country, at some point, will require their services, which may come at a cost.”
Diaspora Remittances: A Double-Edged Sword
While brain drain is often viewed as a loss, emigration also brings significant economic benefits through diaspora remittances. These funds, sent back home by emigrants, play a vital role in supporting local economies, improving living standards, and contributing to national GDP.
Diaspora Remittances: A Global Perspective
| Country | Diaspora remittances | % of GDP |
| Nigeria | $25 billion | 4.5 |
| Egypt | $28 billion | 6.2 |
| Morocco | $7 billion | 3.5 |
| Kenya | $2.5 billion | 2.5 |
| Philippines | $34 billion | 8.5 |
| Mexico | $38 billion | 2.5 |
| India | $79 billion | 3.1 |
Source: World Bank.
For example, in Egypt, diaspora remittances account for 6.2% of GDP, significantly supporting the country’s economic stability. Similarly, Nigeria’s $25 billion in remittances provides substantial relief and development opportunities. Non-African countries like the Philippines (8.5% of GDP) and Mexico (2.5% of GDP) also benefit from their diaspora populations. India leads globally with $79 billion in remittances, contributing 3.1% to its GDP.
In addition to economic contributions, remittances often fund education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial ventures, creating a ripple effect of development in home countries. Governments can further enhance the value of diaspora contributions by implementing policies that encourage investment and financial inclusion for emigrants.
Conclusion
Emigration presents a dual challenge and opportunity for Nigeria and other African nations. While brain drain leads to a loss of skilled labor, diaspora remittances significantly bolster local economies. Addressing the root causes of emigration—poverty, poor governance, and insecurity—will be critical in retaining talent. At the same time, optimizing policies to support and engage diaspora communities can help harness their contributions for national development.
Emigration is not merely about the movement of people; it is also about the transfer of resources, ideas, and opportunities. Managed effectively, it can be a powerful driver of economic growth.
By Michael Damilola
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