From brain-drain to brain-gain

Using two governmental policies in Nigeria between 1986 to 1993 and 1999 to 2007, this study examines how non-migration policies in country of origin influence migration decisions, stimulate different layers of migration, and affect aspirations of migrants in country of destination. Between 1986 and 1993, Nigeria under General Babangida implemented IMF’s Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP) – an economic policy, which thrived on the deregulation of the agricultural sector, privatization of public enterprises, and devaluation of the national currency among others. ¹ Under President Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, Nigeria also implemented the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) – an economic policy that seeks a synergy between government and private sector operators in wealth creation, employment generation, poverty reduction, and value re-orientation. ²