​The study aims to interrogate the interrelationships between South–South migration and development on how to effectively integrate this form of human mobility into national and regional development plans and poverty reduction challenges in Nigeria.

The purpose of this needs assessment is to identify skills and competency gaps in the health sector and provide government with recommendations on how the gaps can be addressed. The information gathered will assist the government to establish a matching system to mobilize diaspora for national development through a pilot scheme to encourage temporary or permanent return of highly skilled diaspora members particularly

in the health sector.

The United States of America is widely known as one of the major destinations for Nigerian migrants. Migration of Nigerians to this country has been increasing over time, and trends show that this is still continuing. The situation has created a huge opportunity to harness and maximize enormous potential resources of this group. 

To identify the possibility of tapping into the available skills and resources for the development of Nigeria, the Government of Nigeria and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) commissioned a mapping exercise of the Nigerian diaspora working in the health and education sectors in the United States. The information gathered in this mapping exercise will be used to provide the federal Government of Nigeria with relevant information on the Nigerian diaspora members who would be interested in contributing their competencies and skills for national development and investment in their home country.