International Migration And Economic Growth In Africa: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

International migrations have become a crucial driver of growth and development among states in Africa. With the advent of globalization, international migration has presented great benefits, opportunities and implications around the globe. This study therefore sets out to interrogate the phenomenon of international migration and socio-economic development in Nigeria. To this end, the study raised research question, such as; has international migration of Nigerian Nationals led to an increased growth in diaspora? The study adopted longitudinal design and the content analysis. The push-pull theory was used to explain the factors that affect migration and economic growth.  The Findings of the study reveal that international migration has led increase in diaspora remittances to Nigeria. It has also contributed to the improvement in standard of living of among Nigerians. In all, the study concludes that international migration has become an inevitable reality among nations and Nigeria should maximize its gains. Therefore, the study recommends that since diaspora remittances constitutes a sizeable chunk of Nigeria’s source of foreign exchange earnings, there is need for the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria to harmonize the activities of International Money Transfer Organizations and other informal channels of remittances in order the track the volume of remittances inflows into the country.