The Niger River flows effortlessly through part of Nigeria. Its rushing waters empty into the Atlantic Ocean via the Niger Delta.

Another flow occurring out of Nigeria is not one that is rushing but is causing damage over time. Brain drain in Nigeria is affecting the economy of the country. Talent, particularly in technological fields, is leaving Nigeria for better opportunities.

An estimated 63% of Nigerian adults have said they would be willing to relocate if given the opportunity, a trend commonly known as “Japa” in Nigeria. An estimated 17 million Nigerians live in the wider diaspora, including second- and third-generation Nigerians, with significant communities in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. Economic hardship and multidimensional poverty are among the pressures encouraging people to leave. In 2025, an estimated 139 million Nigerians were living in poverty. Food insecurity, limited access to clean drinking water and education gaps are some of the many dimensions of poverty in Nigeria.

Those who wish to pursue an education and career in technology find themselves at a loss. There is a gap in access to reliable and genuine technological devices and support. For Nigerians living around the poverty line, average mobile data spending in the first quarter of 2026 was equivalent to nearly one-fifth of monthly income. The loss of talent in the technology field can widen the gap in technological advancement compared with other countries. Brain drain can also make it harder for Nigerian firms to find skilled IT professionals as technologies such as AI become more widely used.

Nigeria also faces a significant digital skills gap. A 2023 GetBundi survey of 100 National Youth Service Corps members found that 85% lacked basic digital skills. This puts the country and economy behind if it cannot advance.

The Drain Explained

Brain drain is the migration of individuals who are highly skilled. People living in Nigeria who are highly skilled are leaving for a better way of life due to the country’s current state of poverty. In 2025, an estimated 61% of the population was living in poverty. Poverty is multidimensional, with food insecurity and low incomes among the pressures households face. Those who can leave may choose to do so, while some Nigerians who study abroad remain in the countries where they studied.

Individuals leave to earn better wages for themselves and their families. For instance, a mid-level software developer in Nigeria can earn approximately ₦700,000 to ₦1.5 million per month, while a Nigerian developer in a remote USD-paid role may earn around $3,000 to $5,500 per month.

Programs of Hope

A slow reversal of the flow seems to be happening. “Japada,” as many Nigerians call it, refers to those who have migrated and are coming back. In 2025, IOM supported 14,787 Nigerians to return home safely. With the cost of living going up in other countries, some Nigerians are looking to go back to Nigeria and are returning with a purpose.

Some returnees are using experience gained abroad to create businesses and employ Nigerian talent. This can help the local economy and may encourage more skilled Nigerians to remain in or return to the country.

Another bid to reverse the drain is an initiative called Return2Naija, launched by Nigeria Student Ambassador John Aikeremiokha to encourage Nigerian students and migrants abroad to return and contribute to the country’s development. There are no concrete numbers showing how many people have returned as a direct result of the initiative.

Nigerian companies are also restructuring salary packages and adopting remote and hybrid work arrangements as ways to retain talent and stay competitive.

Through the initiatives of entrepreneurs and businesses, efforts to reverse brain drain in Nigeria are taking place. These efforts may contribute to economic growth, job creation and a more diverse, innovative economy. It is a slow, steady stream making its way into Nigeria to stay.

– Lara Lewis

Lara is based in Wakefield, RI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash