Migration Trend and Brain Drain in Nigeria's Healthcare Sector: Challenges and Pathways Forward

The migration of medical professionals from Nigeria to developed countries and brain drain constitutes a great challenge, with far-reaching socioeconomic and health ramifications. The study critically reviewed the major factors that motivate Nigerian healthcare workers to emigrate from the country: poor working conditions; poor remuneration; and lack of retentional and professional opportunities; insecurity; infrastructural deficits; and others. The loss of these skilled workers has virtually incapacitated the Nigerian healthcare system, leaving it with the ability to manage high patient-to-doctor ratios inequitably in terms of service delivery, heavy workloads, and low morale among the remaining staff. In rural and underserved areas, these consequences are felt more strongly, thereby increasing regional disparity in health services and jeopardizing health outcome targets at the national level, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. Policies were instituted by the government to address issues such as pay increments, retention incentives, and relevant professional training. Still, expanded adoption has been limited as a result of lack of consistency, poor funding, and corruption in the system, among other factors, including infrastructural deficiencies. This study is qualitative, based on documentary analysis of secondary sources, with the aim of identifying gaps in policy and practice. The findings indicate the need for broad, well-resourced, and inclusive programs targeting both financial and non-financial considerations driving migration. This presents intricate proposals for improving health infrastructure and remuneration, strengthening bilateral agreements for circular migration, instituting monitoring mechanisms, involving medical professionals in policy development, and expanding opportunities for career advancement within Nigeria.