A substantial 56% of Nigerians have considered leaving the country, according to a recent report by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network.
This marks a significant rise from 36% in 2017, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among citizens.
The report revealed that 33% of respondents have given serious thought to emigration, a threefold increase from 11% in 2017.
“More than half (56%) of Nigerians say they have considered leaving Nigeria, a 20-percentage-point increase compared to 2017 (36%) (Figure 1). The share who say they have given ‘a lot’ of thought to the idea has tripled, from 11% to 33%,” it partly reads.
Educated Nigerians are the most likely to consider leaving, with 71% of those with post-secondary qualifications expressing a desire to migrate. Similarly, 63% of urban residents and 60% of young people have considered relocating.
The primary motivations cited include seeking better job opportunities (42%) and escaping economic hardship or poverty (39%). North America, Europe, and the Middle East are the preferred destinations for those looking to emigrate.
The trend is particularly pronounced among the unemployed, with 66% of job seekers considering migration. Even among employed individuals, the desire to leave remains high, with 58% of full-time and 56% of part-time workers exploring the possibility.
The report highlights a surge in migration from Nigeria in recent years. Between January and September 2023 alone, 1.57 million people left the country, bringing the total number of emigrants over the last two years to nearly 3.7 million.
This outflow has worsened brain drain, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, where professionals are leaving for better working conditions abroad. Additionally, the rising emigration rate is causing social disruptions, including family separations.
Despite these challenges, the factors driving migration—economic instability, inadequate systems, and limited opportunities—persist.
The report notes the government’s failure to address these issues and implement effective measures to stem the tide of migration.
