ECONOMIC RECESSION AND MIGRATION: THE CASE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The economic downturn of most developed economies appears to be taking some ugly tolls on weaker and dependent economies of developing societies. The paper examined the link between economic recession and migration in Nigeria. The theoretical thrust of the study is the push-pull theory. Secondary data from textbooks, journals, online and organizational publications were used. Although Nigeria is traditionally an important destination for migrants, especially in the West African sub-region, evidence has revealed that there are more people emigrating from than immigrating to Nigeria. It was found that about 1,041,284 Nigerian nationals live abroad. The factors influencing migration of Nigerians include, rising unemployment, poverty, lack of economic opportunities, dearth of basic socio-economic infrastructures, and insecurity. However, the propensity to emigrate is particularly high among the highly skilled, hence about 10.7% of them who were trained in Nigeria work abroad. The resultant effect is the human and capital exportation to foreign lands. Therefore, the study recommended that government should lessen dependence on oil and diversify, especially into agriculture as to create more jobs. The fight against terror should be intensified as to restore sense of safety and secured socio-economic environment. Lastly, social amenities should be continously made available and maintained to discourage mass emigration.