A recent Gallup survey reveals that nearly half of Nigeria’s population—one in two Nigerians—are considering relocating abroad for opportunities in work, education, or business.
This growing trend, spurred by the nation’s ongoing economic and political challenges, highlights the desire of many Nigerians to seek better prospects beyond their borders.
The rising interest in emigration is particularly noticeable among the country’s youth, whose potential remains underutilized due to systemic obstacles. These individuals are eager to contribute to the global workforce, yet face numerous barriers to realizing their aspirations at home. Nigeria’s situation mirrors that of other nations such as Liberia, where over 70% of the population expresses a desire to migrate, according to Gallup’s findings.
“More than a third of Africans want to move permanently to live somewhere else, a new high, according to a 2023 Gallup survey. In 2012, only 29% felt this way; last year, the number rose to 37%,” said Alexandra Onukwue, a writer for Semafor.
While the motivations behind this mass exodus are clear, there are growing concerns over the potential consequences for Nigeria’s long-term economic development. As skilled professionals leave, the country risks losing vital human capital that could drive innovation and economic progress.
To counter this, experts argue that Nigeria must work to create a more supportive environment for its talent. This would involve policies that stimulate economic growth, reduce corruption, and improve quality of life. Additionally, strengthening education and skill development will ensure the younger generation is equipped to compete in a global economy.
One company actively contributing to this effort is Vesti, a software platform focused on nurturing and developing top talent. Vesti has ambitious plans to create over 600 engineering jobs in Lagos within the next two years, with a target of 1,500 jobs by 2027. Although Vesti serves users across 15 countries through its mobile apps and website, it has strong presences in the UK, Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, and recently expanded to Canada.
Olusola Amusan, CEO of Vesti, stresses the importance of supporting Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad while also focusing on retaining talent. “Nigeria is full of talented individuals eager to make a difference, and they are looking globally for opportunities. Vesti is committed to helping them make that transition as smooth as possible,” Amusan said. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to migration, stating, “We can’t stop migration, but we can make it seamless while creating pathways for immigrants to contribute back home and develop their countries.”
While it’s crucial to assist those who seek opportunities abroad, creating a thriving ecosystem within Nigeria is just as important. By investing in education, technology, and entrepreneurship, Nigeria can retain its talent and foster the growth necessary to drive its economy forward.
In response to the growing trend of skilled labor migration, organizations like Vesti are playing an essential role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of immigration. However, migration should benefit both sending and receiving countries, and international collaboration is key in this process.
The United Nations Office on Migration warns about the dangers of “brain drain” but advocates for balanced migration policies. Amusan notes that Vesti’s platform is one way to balance migration, as it allows Nigerians to highlight the advantages of their home country while also easing the transition to foreign destinations.
To harness the benefits of migration for both the home and host countries, there must be concerted efforts to improve education and skill development in Nigeria, as well as creating a conducive business environment. Furthermore, international cooperation can help facilitate skilled worker programs that mutually benefit both nations.
By recognizing the value of Nigerian professionals abroad and easing their entry into global job markets, both the diaspora and host countries can thrive. Initiatives like Vesti, with over 800,000 downloads in the Google Play Store, are pivotal in empowering Nigerian professionals to succeed and integrate seamlessly into their new environments.
As Vesti continues its expansion plans—aiming to help 50 million to 100 million people by 2028—its success story illustrates the potential of Nigeria’s talented youth, both at home and abroad. With Vesti’s apps available on both the App Store and Google Play Store, and at Wevesti.com, the future looks promising for those navigating the path to international success.
Culled: Nigeria communications week
