Expert Seeks Urgent Reform to Mitigate Migration of Skilled Professionals

By Tosin Clegg

Omowunmi Makinde, a seasoned IT and cybersecurity professional, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s technology sector to curb the growing migration of skilled professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.

Disclosing this in a media statement recently, she underscored the need for systemic changes that address economic instability, poor infrastructure, and limited career growth opportunities.

Makinde expressed deep concern over the rising wave of tech talent leaving Nigeria for countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, noting that the trend, popularly referred to as “Japa,” poses a serious threat to the nation’s emerging digital economy.

According to her, the exodus of skilled software engineers, data scientists, and product designers “has accelerated in recent years and, if not addressed, could undermine the very foundation of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.”

She highlighted the widening economic gap as one of the major drivers of migration, explaining that while the local tech industry has grown remarkably, its compensation structure still lags behind international standards.

“A senior software engineer in Lagos earns between $15,000 and $30,000 annually, while the same role in Toronto or London could command between $80,000 and $150,000 or more,” she stated.

Makinde further noted in the statement that the persistent devaluation of the naira has worsened the situation, as many professionals now struggle to maintain their standard of living.

Beyond economic challenges, Makinde also pointed to infrastructure deficits as another major factor fueling the migration trend.

In her statement, she described how unreliable power supply and inconsistent internet connectivity have made it increasingly difficult for tech professionals to operate efficiently. “

She equally emphasized the role of insecurity in migration decisions, noting that frequent cases of kidnappings, armed robberies, and general unrest have made personal and family safety a major concern.

On career advancement, Makinde observed that while Nigeria’s tech sector is growing, it remains relatively small and limits opportunities for mid-level and senior professionals.

Makinde also drew attention to the ease of migration for tech workers due to favorable visa policies in destination countries.

“Programs like Canada’s Express Entry and the UK’s Skilled Worker visa have simplified relocation for skilled professionals. Many companies now sponsor visas and manage the entire relocation process,” she said.

She warned that the continued outflow of skilled workers carries long-term implications for Nigeria’s digital economy.

Calling for immediate action, she urged the government and private sector leaders to prioritize reforms that strengthen the tech workforce environment.

Makinde is a seasoned IT professional with over six years of experience in networking, systems administration, cybersecurity, and IT operations.

She holds a master’s degree in information systems security and certifications from Cisco and CompTIA.