Nigeria, the biggest country in Africa with a population of over 200 million people with rich culture and diverse ethnic groups, blessed with human resources, mineral resources and natural resources like oil and agricultural products, has however ignored the role and impact of human resources in economic building.
Over the past decades, there has been a gradual increase in the rate of migration of Nigerians to other countries around the world, and this is because of the state of the nation’s economy. Dating back to the oil boom in the 1970s; which was initially economically promising but was grossly mismanaged by the then government, the situation birthed the mass migration of Nigerians due to the unfavorable economic conditions ravaging the country in search of better opportunities and greener pastures.
The era witnessed an exodus of professionals from different sectors such as Doctors, and Engineers; creating a void in the economy. The impact of the brain drain extended from the healthcare system, affecting the quality of education, entertainment, and technological capacity of the Nation.
Presently, there is still an emigration of Nigerians to several countries abroad in search of better opportunities as there have not been significant improvements in the socioeconomic situation since the 1970s. With the devaluation of the naira and current inflation rocking the country, insecurity, high unemployment rate, infrastructural deficit, and hunger have propelled many to decide to relocate abroad.
This mass exit of Nigerians especially youth termed locally as ‘Japa’, to other developed countries is an avenue for so many people to work, study, and attain better living standards which has not been quite achievable right here in Nigeria.
The failure of the Government to provide better opportunities and the socioeconomic well-being of the Nation encourages the movement of professionals, which further weakens the labour force and plunges the economy into a state of crisis. The current situation has not only stripped us of talent but of culture and has separated families all over the world.
A few months back, there was a proposed bill mandating Nigerian-trained Doctors to practice for 5 years before they can relocate abroad. Rather than a reactive, drastic decision that seems effective, the future of this situation demands a more strategic, innovative, and forward-thinking approach. The Government needs to create an environment that not only retains its professional workforce but also encourages the return of talents. Policies need to be in place to ensure job creation, skill development, and innovation.
To stem the tide of emigration, the Government would have to create a strategy addressing the factors directly influencing this situation. Investing in the healthcare, educational, entertainment, technological, and other sectors, the creation of industries, and empowering youths with skills to be established can curb the brain drain currently plaguing the economy. Tackling insecurity, working on the financial stability of the economy, and creating infrastructural development would encourage a large number to remain in the workforce. Cooperation with the diaspora community will be instrumental in building the country’s future economic and social development.
As Nigeria continues to evolve economically, learning from past challenges and how they affect the present can help us infer its future consequences or impact. Managing our Human Resources through migration is not a challenge but an opportunity to improve our economy and reclaim our stand as the Giant of Africa.
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