An Analytic, Comparative and Empirical Study of Nurse Migration and the 'Japa Syndrome' in Nigeria: Implications for Healthcare Quality, System Efficiency, and Policy Reform.

Abstract

The global healthcare workforce crisis has intensified in low- and middle-income countries, with Nigeria experiencing a significant outflow of nurses under the phenomenon popularly termed the Japa Syndrome. Characterized by a surge in professional emigration for better opportunities abroad, this trend has severely strained Nigeria’s healthcare system, exacerbating workforce shortages and compromising service quality. The migration of nurses, driven by economic hardship, unsafe work environments, and poor career prospects, reflects deeper systemic challenges requiring urgent attention. This study aims to empirically assess the dynamics of nurse migration in Nigeria, examining its root causes, impacts on healthcare delivery, and the effectiveness of existing policy responses. It offers a unique contribution by integrating comparative international models and grounded perspectives from frontline Nigerian healthcare workers. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative data from 300 structured nurse surveys across six geopolitical zones with qualitative interviews from 20 emigrated nurses and 15 key policy stakeholders. Statistical tools including regression and inferential analysis were applied using SPSS. Findings reveal that 87% of nurses cited poor remuneration and 71% noted limited career growth as major push factors. The nurse-to-patient ratio rose from 1:8 to 1:22 over the last decade, correlating with a 36% decline in service satisfaction. The study underscores the need for workforce policy reforms, improved incentives, and ethical international recruitment frameworks to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system resilience.