Nigeria’s approach to diaspora engagement and brain drain mitigation

Abstract

This study seeks to examine Nigeria's approach in engaging its diaspora as part of its response to the challenge of brain drain within the migration and development paradigm. Brain drain, characterised by the large-scale migration of highly skilled professionals from one country to another, has long been seen as undermining Nigeria's human capital, particularly in health, education, and research. Drawing on the push-pull theory, human capital theory, and contemporary concepts of brain circulation and brain gain, the study situates Nigeria's brain drain within the broader global and African migration context. The literature indicates that brain drain is driven by economic uncertainty, poor governance, poor working conditions, insecurity, and a lack of career prospects, whereas the demand for human resources and robust welfare systems in destination countries are strong pull factors for brain drain. On the other hand, Nigeria's diaspora is an important development partner, remitting more than $20 billion annually. The paper discusses Nigeria’s developing infrastructure for diaspora engagement, such as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, migration policies, labor policies, diaspora bonds, as well as sectoral programs in health, education, and innovation. However, these programs face limitations in their effectiveness in curbing brain drain due to factors such as institutional fragmentation, lack of data, policy incoherence, infrastructure deficit, and economic volatility. According to the study, diaspora engagement is not enough in curbing brain drain in Nigeria unless coupled with domestic retention strategies and governance reforms. For example, a new national talent strategy for Nigeria could encompass aspects such as institutional coordination, diaspora digital platforms, productive investment mechanisms, and circular migration. The conclusion argues that Nigeria could use the brain drain as a development chance by incorporating the engagement with the diaspora into a comprehensive national development strategy instead of considering it a separate action.