Citation:

Eleanor John-Oti, Stephen Gowon John-Oti. "Migration and the Diaspora: Impact on Nigeria's Growth and Development" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 3-7, 2025.

Abstract:

Migration and diaspora dynamics play a crucial role in Nigeria's socio-economic growth and development. This study examines the patterns, drivers, and impact of migration, focusing on the contributions of the diaspora to the economy, skill transfer, and international collaborations while also addressing challenges such as brain drain, social disruptions, and dependency on remittances. The study is framed within The Neoclassical Economic Theory, The Migration Systems Theory, and the Migration-Development Nexus Theory. The Neoclassical Economic Theory explains migration as a response to wage differentials and employment opportunities, influencing Nigerians' decisions to migrate. Migration Systems Theory highlights the role of historical, economic, and social networks in sustaining migration flows. The Migration-Development Nexus Theory underscores both the benefits (e.g., remittances and knowledge transfer) and drawbacks (e.g., brain drain and social disruptions) of migration on national development. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis. Primary data were obtained from interviews with policymakers, Nigerians in the diaspora, and migration experts: While secondary data were sourced from international migration reports, remittance flow records, and government policy documents, the analysis used descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis to examine migration patterns, economic contributions, and policy frameworks. Findings indicate that while the Nigerian diaspora significantly contributes to economic growth through remittances, investments, and skill transfers, migration also exacerbates human capital flight, familial disruptions, and reliance on foreign economies. The study recommends strengthening institutional frameworks, engaging the diaspora in national development, improving domestic economic conditions, and implementing policies to retain skilled professionals to maximize the benefits of migration.

References:

[1] Adepoju, A. (2006). "Leading Issues in International Migration in Sub-Saharan Africa." African Development Review.
[2] De Haas, H. (2007). "The Migration-Development Nexus Revisited: A Theoretical Perspective." Population, Space and Place, 13(6), 421-434.
[3] International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2021). "Migration in Nigeria: A Country Profile."
[4] Nzinga, C. (2019). "The Nigerian Diaspora and Economic Development." African Affairs Journal.
[5] World Bank. (2022). "Migration and Development Brief 37."
[6] Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). (2022). "Annual Report on Diaspora Contributions."
[7] Adepoju, A. (2006). "Leading Issues in International Migration in Sub-Saharan Africa." African Development Review.
[8] World Bank. (2022). "Migration and Development Brief 37."
[9] International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2021). "Migration in Nigeria: A Country Profile."
[10] Nzinga, C. (2019). "The Nigerian Diaspora and Economic Development." African Affairs Journal.
[11] United Nations. (2020). "World Migration Report.

Keywords:

Brain Drain, Development Challenges, Diaspora Dynamics, Migration, Remittance Flows, Skill Transfers, Socioeconomic Growth, Sustainable National Development.