Perception of the Motives and Impact of International Migration on Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on international migration motives and its impact on Nigeria using migrants transiting through Aminu Kano International Airport Kano and Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja. The study adopted a survey method in which 929 migrants
were sampled. Systematic sampling method was used to select respondents for the administration of questionnaire as passengers came and register for their flights. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of the data. The result of the
findings indicated that about 28% of the migrants were aged between 30 and 34 years; about 84% of the migrants were males and about 49% of them obtained up to tertiary level of education. Although, about 37% were going to Asia, a significant number (27%) were
going to Europe while about 22% and 11% were travelling to North America and South America respectively. About 42% of the migrants mentioned that they were going for business, while about 24% were going for pilgrimage. Similarly, about 15% were going
for employment pursuit. The results also showed that about 70% of the migrants paid over N200, 000 for their journey. Based on the findings, the study concluded that brain drain is the major negative effect of international migration on Nigeria, while remittance of money back home by the emigrants to their relatives is the most important perceived positive effect of migration. The study therefore, recommended that policy makers should be formulating and implementing policies that would bring about more employment opportunities by encouraging investment through policies that would attract foreign investors.