Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to prioritize their love for the country over financial incentives, expressing concern over the increasing trend of mass migration among skilled professionals.
During a Senate session on October 8, 2024, Akpabio addressed the issue of rising emigration and highlighted the serious implications of “brain drain” for Nigeria’s development.
He urged for a renewed sense of patriotism and collective effort to tackle the challenges the nation faces, which contribute to the exodus of talent.
“The country is losing its expertise. If those who acquired skills abroad returned to Nigeria, it would significantly benefit us,” he remarked.
Akpabio emphasized that Nigeria’s progress would be greatly enhanced if skilled individuals chose to come back and contribute to the nation’s growth instead of seeking better opportunities overseas.
While acknowledging that poor working conditions often drive Nigerians to migrate, he insisted that a commitment to one’s country should take precedence. “People should place love for their country above financial gains. Many of us have chosen to remain here for that reason,” he stated.
He further highlighted the detrimental impact of brain drain, particularly in the health and education sectors, which have been severely affected by the departure of skilled professionals. “The brain drain is a significant issue, especially in healthcare and education. It is impacting us greatly,” Akpabio noted.

He cited that approximately 22,000 Nigerian health professionals are currently thriving in the United States, showcasing the talent that the country is losing. “These professionals are excelling abroad, which we can see from various reports,” he added.