Report: Infrastructure, Remuneration Major Driving Factors Of Brian Drain – Expert

In 2020, The Nigeria Medical Association Reported That Out Of 75,000 Doctors officially registered in Nigeria, over 33,000 had left the country leaving just above 50% of that number to man the health institutions in the country.

In 2021, The Total Allocation To The Health Ministry plus statutory transfers is less than 5% of the nation’s annual budget. This is contrary to the Abuja declaration which called for the allocation of a minimum of 15% of the national budget to health.

Consequence of brain drain sees Nigeria spending billions of naira training its skilled manpower, only to lose its capital to other jurisdictions. it is estimated that Nigeria has spent upwards of $2bn training doctors who have subsequently migrated.

The United Nations Commission For Trade And Development estimates that each African professional lost to other countries represents a loss of $184, 000 to Africa.

Medical Practitioner Anthony Osaghale said the Push And Pull Factors are responsible for Brain Drain

A severe lack of adequate infrastructure and worthwhile remuneration is a major driving factor for the emigration of not just doctors but skilled scientists and lecturers according to experts.