Government Anti-Labour Measures and Health Workforce Migration From Nigeria to the United Kingdom: A Threat to SDG 3

Nigeria, a country noted for its rich cultural diversity and abundant resources, has increasingly become a major contributor to global labour migration due to persistent socio-economic and political challenges. While the 1970s oil boom attracted foreign migrants into the country, the economic downturn and political instability of the 1980s reversed this trend, resulting in a steady rise in emigration. Since then, Nigeria’s net migration rate has remained negative, with many citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. The United Kingdom, owing to its historical ties with Nigeria and relatively stronger economic prospects, has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for Nigerian migrants. Available statistics indicate a consistent growth in the number of Nigerians residing in the UK, rising from about 90,000 in 2008 to approximately 178,000 in 2021. Furthermore, the number of Nigerians granted UK worker visas increased dramatically from 1,993 in 2019 to 13,449 in 2022, reflecting a 574.8 percent rise. Scholars attribute this growing migration trend to a range of push factors, including economic instability, unemployment, insecurity, and declining living standards in Nigeria. In particular, the widening gap between wages and the rising cost of living has intensified economic hardship among citizens, especially the youth, whose employment opportunities continue to shrink. This study therefore examines the underlying socio-economic factors driving the migration of Nigerians to the United Kingdom and highlights the broader implications of these trends for Nigeria’s development and labour dynamics.