Brain drain: Implications on national security

By Rekpene Bassey

Brain drain, defined as the emigration of highly educated and skilled individuals, especially younger professionals, to other countries, has emerged as a pervasive challenge in Nigeria. Its primary drivers include economic instability, unfavourable work environments, political crises, and the allure of better education and living standards abroad.

While a global phenomenon, this talent exodus is particularly pronounced in Nigeria, where it presents dire consequences for economic development, social stability, and, more critically, national security.

The issue of brain drain in Nigeria has worsened over the past decade, exacerbated by persistent economic turmoil and governance challenges. Despite its growing severity, the phenomenon has not received the sustained attention it warrants. This article seeks to spotlight the implications of brain drain, taking a cue from recent concerns raised by Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Nigerian teaching hospitals during their 2025 annual budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Health.

At the forefront of this lamentation was Professor Wasiu Adeyemi, CMD of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, who, alongside other CMDs, decried the imminent collapse of Nigeria’s healthcare system due to an alarming dearth of medical personnel. With Nigeria’s 2025 health sector budget pegged at N47.9trn, a notable increase from 2024’s allocation of N1.5trn, the sector appears significantly underfunded when benchmarked against global standards. For context, this allocation represents just 5.46 percent of the total budget, far below the 15 percent commitment of the Abuja Declaration of 2001.

Interestingly, a substantial portion of the 2024 budget allocated for personnel, up to 1.056 billion Naira in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) case, was reportedly refunded to federal coffers. This raises troubling questions: Why allocate such funds when insufficient staff could earn it? Was the allocation made in anticipation of recruitment that never materialized? Or did those recruited emigrate shortly afterward, lured by better opportunities abroad?

The financial remuneration of medical professionals in Nigeria starkly illustrates the depth of this challenge. A specialist doctor in Nigeria earns approximately N1.39bn per month ($840 USD), while nurses and allied health professionals earn between N300,000 and N834,000 monthly ($180-$504 USD).

In contrast, their counterparts in the United States earn between $5,000 and $51,000 per month (N4.6m to N46m). This staggering disparity leaves little to wonder why Nigerian medical workers are departing in droves for greener pastures abroad.

This crisis extends beyond the health sector. Engineers, IT specialists, academics, and other professionals are leaving Nigeria at alarming rates. The United Nations estimates that over 15,000 Nigerian professionals emigrate annually. These individuals contribute to the economies of their host countries, often at the expense of their homeland, which invested in their education and training.

Economically, brain drain depletes Nigeria’s human capital, undermining productivity and innovation. For a nation with over 200 million people, retaining skilled labour is critical for economic stability and growth. Yet, with inflation rates surpassing 25 percent and unemployment exceeding 33%, many Nigerians perceive migration as the only viable escape from financial hardship.

Indeed, the brain drain phenomenon raises profound questions about societal values and priorities. Why has a nation as resource-rich as Nigeria failed to provide an environment where talent thrives? At its core, this is not merely a question of economics but of governance, social justice, and national identity. In The Republic, Plato posited that a just society is one where every individual fulfils their potential in harmony with the common good. Nigeria’s current trajectory suggests a deviation from this ideal, as structural inequities compel its brightest minds to seek fulfilment elsewhere.

Comparative analysis further underscores the gravity of Nigeria’s situation. With a population of 109 million, Egypt allocated $81.5bn to its 2025 health budget, translating to $748 per citizen. South Africa, with a population of 60 million, allocated $128.7bn, or $2,145 per citizen. In comparison, Nigeria’s $2.96bn health budget – just $14 per citizen – pales. This disparity reflects insufficient funding and a lack of prioritization of critical sectors.

National security is another dimension of the brain drain crisis. A nation’s security extends beyond military strength to encompass economic resilience, public health, and social stability. When skilled professionals emigrate, the healthcare, education, and infrastructure gap weaken the nation’s capacity to respond to crises. Moreover, widespread disillusionment among youth and professionals fosters an environment ripe for social unrest and insecurity.

Addressing brain drain requires a multi-pronged approach. First, improving remuneration and working conditions for professionals is essential. Competitive salaries, access to modern facilities, and clear career progression paths can help stem the tide of emigration. Second, robust investments in education and training and initiatives to create jobs for graduates are critical for retaining talent. Third, policies promoting economic stability and reducing inflation are necessary to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s future.

Additionally, a strategic focus on diaspora engagement can transform brain drain into brain gain. Countries like India and China have demonstrated how leveraging their diasporas’ expertise and investments can drive national development. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies, fostering collaboration with its diaspora community to bridge skill gaps and attract foreign investment.

Culturally, Nigeria must rekindle a sense of national pride and belonging. This involves addressing systemic corruption, promoting social justice, and fostering a merit-based society. Citizens are more likely to remain and contribute to a nation that values their efforts and offers a vision of collective prosperity.

Reversing the brain drain phenomenon requires visionary leadership and a collective commitment to national renewal. As Aristotle observed, the individual’s good is intrinsically tied to the good of the state. By creating an environment where individuals can achieve their potential within Nigeria’s borders, the nation stands to reclaim its brightest minds and secure its future.

In conclusion, brain drain is not merely a statistic but a symptom of more profound systemic challenges. Its resolution addresses these root causes through targeted investments, strategic policies, and a renewed commitment to national development. Only then can Nigeria transform its brain drain crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth and security.

*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON) and an expert in Security and Drug Prevention.