(PDF) The Effect of Migration on Nation-Building in Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

In Nigeria, it has turned into a point of pride for families to have at least one member of their family working or studying outside of the borders of the nation. The image that pops into one’s head immediately is one of wealth and unrestricted opportunity for other members of the family or the extended family to profit from the success of the first individual (Akinsanmi, 2017). Given the fact that the “member overseas” would send some foreign cash home, ultimately become established, and be able to share knowledge that may assist others access the same opportunity, this would seem to be a natural conclusion to reach. If the person in question happens to be located in a developed country in Europe or the United States of America, then it is even more reasonable to have such an expectation of them. This is due to the fact that such countries provide a higher standard of living as well as a better quality of life for all members of the society (Nwajiuba , 2022). Because such an atmosphere and such life expectations are not easily accessible to all people in Nigeria, the driving force behind the desire to see a “better life,” spread the joy, and share the goods is to see a “better life,” spread the joy, and share the goodies. But where does it even begin? And where exactly does it get its start? The unequal nature of the society lends validity to the idea that for many, migration is the only window through which they may increase their income, have possibilities for education, and enhance the prospects for their next generation. As a consequence of this, individuals relocate both inside the country and across international boundaries in the hope that they would have access to greater possibilities in the region to which they are moving in order to benefit not just themselves but also their immediate families and communities (Okorie, 2019). Migration often begins with a shift from one region of a nation to another, such as from a hamlet to a village, and then continues with a transfer from a village to a town. This movement pattern is distinctive of migration and is typically how it begins. One transfers to a new location because they believe it will provide them with greater chances (Olajide, 2020). There are a number of elements, both pushing and pulling, that are responsible for this, but some of the causes may be unique to the person, such as the cultural stigmatization. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has a population of more than 200 million people and continues to experience high internal and external migration due to the size of her population, her harsh economic climate, porous borders, and other factors (Olajide, 2020). Despite this, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. Nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in poverty, making it one of the world’s poorest countries. Corruption is another problem plaguing the country (Olajide, 2020). Every year, millions of people in Nigeria leave the country in quest of a better quality of life as a result of limited work possibilities, widespread corruption, and extreme poverty. Forgery of passports, visas, fake asylum claims, phony marriages under false pretenses, people smuggling, human trafficking, and a number of other outlets are primarily to blame for the rapid rise in illegal migration, which is also aided to a significant extent by the forgery of visas and passports (Castles, 2017).

Additionally, the rate of migration within Nigeria is increasing at an alarming pace since there has been a significant rate of movement across states by young males of working age who are looking for better prospects and greener pastures. The growth in undocumented migration has had a significant negative impact on the process of nation building in Nigeria (Egbe, 2022). This is due to the fact that the majority of undocumented migrants in Nigeria are young people between the ages of 18 and 35, which is the most productive age range in a person’s life, and this phenomenon is mostly driven by economic incentives (Durand, 2016). The high rates of migration among these categories are primarily caused by a combination of many causes, the most important of which are the high unemployment rate among young people (61.1 percent) and the growing cost of living (David, 2021). Therefore, the study seeks to examine the effect of migration on nation-building in Nigeria.

Statement of the problem

Migration has been going on since the beginning of human society. People have always relocated from one place to another in quest of greater possibilities. This behavior is nothing new. Although many incidents of migration are voluntary, others, such as travel as a result of wars, conflicts, natural disasters, or economic hardship, are examples of circumstances in which migration is involuntary (de Haan, 2017). In recent years, there has been a rise in the amount of academic attention given to the topic of migration. There is growing worry over the implications that economic migration, particularly forced migration, may have on Nigeria and other African nations. Even if there is a dearth of information about migration from rural to urban areas throughout the continent, the impacts of this trend can be seen everywhere (Docquier, 2022). Importantly, the agricultural structure of African civilization has amplified the effects that enormous migrations of able-bodied males have had on food sufficiency and even on the ability of the country to contribute to the creation of the nation. Hence, the need for the researcher to look into effect of migration on nation-building in Nigeria.

Objective of the study

The general objective of the study is to examine effect of migration on nation-building in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows:

Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i. What are the factors responsible for migration in Nigeria?

ii. Does migration have an effect on nation building in Nigeria?

iii. What are the benefits of migration to the family and nation as a whole?

iv. What are the Consequences of migration in Nigeria?

Significance of the study

This study is significant to the Nigerian government as it will expose them to the high rate of unemployment in the country which in turn makes youth emigrate from Nigeria to other countries. The findings of the study will implore government to create an enabling environment where business can thrive, and also create employment opportunity so that Nigeria will not be lacking for the able bodied men and women that should contribute to nation building.

The study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

Scope of the study

The study will find out the factors responsible for migration in Nigeria. The study will also examine whether migration has an effect on nation building in Nigeria. The study will further investigate the benefits of migration to the family and the nation as a whole. Lastly, the study will assess the Consequences of migration in Nigeria. Hence, this study will be delimited to Nigerian immigration service.

Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Definition of term

Migration: seasonal movement of humans or animals from one region to another.

Nation building: the process through which the boundaries of the modern state and those of the national community become congruent.