A qualitative exploration of multi-stakeholder perspectives on the impact of health workforce emigration on Nigeria’s health care system

Abstract Background The emigration of health professionals from Nigeria to the Western world has become a significant drawback to the already afflicted health system, due to an increasing loss of its essential health workforce. While migration brings opportunities and negative consequences, the views of the affected stakeholders in Nigeria are yet to be determined. This study unraveled the perspectives of these stakeholders regarding the impact of health workforce migration on Nigeria’s health care system. Methods A qualitative research method was used to collect data via in-person and virtual interviews, between October 2024 and February 2025. Respondents were heads of health regulatory bodies and professional associations of nursing, pharmacy, medicine & dentistry, medical laboratory science, optometry, and radiography. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Results The perspectives of the participants showed two themes: Negative and Positive effects on the health care system, with seven sub-themes, further explaining the significant impact of emigration on health workers shortage; disruptions of organizational plans and leadership continuity; quality of healthcare services; workload; healthcare cost; better career prospects; and exposure to advanced healthcare and international best practices. Conclusion This study explores the effect of the prevailing emigration of health professionals from Nigeria to developed countries via data collection from key stakeholders in the affected health professions. The migration affected the migrants, the health system, patients, the public, and their counterparts who remained in the country.