Pages: (1-12 )
Abstract
Irregular migration from Nigeria surged between 2002 and 2020, driven by economic instability, unemployment, and insecurity, with over 20,000 Nigerian youths reported in Mediterranean crossings in 2016 alone and net migration rates turning negative by the period's end. This phenomenon exacerbated brain drain and human trafficking risks while simultaneously channelling substantial remittances, amounting to 5% of GDP in 2019 and positioning Nigeria as Sub-Saharan Africa's top recipient, with inflows reaching $21 billion annually by the late 2010s. This study evaluates policy frameworks for managing these dual dynamics, focusing on curbing surges through enhanced border governance and anti-trafficking measures while harnessing potentials via diaspora engagement and legal labor pathways. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including archival analysis of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) data on irregular flows, review of policies such as the 2015 National Migration Policy and 2017 amendments, and econometric modeling of remittance impacts on household welfare from 2002–2020, the research reveals that fragmented governance, marked by over 1,497 illegal entry points and inconsistent laws, contributed to a 30–50% rise in undocumented outflows, yet targeted interventions like the International Labour Migration Desk reduced risks by 15–20% in pilot regions. Findings underscore push factors like youth unemployment (over 40% in the period) and pull factors such as overseas job prospects, alongside benefits including poverty reduction through remittances that improved migrant household welfare by 25–35%. However, irregular channels amplified vulnerabilities, with returnees facing secondary displacement risks. The study proposes integrated policy reforms, such as fintech-inclusive remittance corridors and bilateral agreements for managed migration, to mitigate harms while unlocking economic gains, offering actionable insights for sustainable development in migration-prone contexts.
Keywords: Irregular Migration; Nigeria; Remittances; Diaspora Engagement; Migration Policy,