Nigeria: immigration

How many internally displaced people are there in Nigeria?

3,381,228 people were internally displaced across 14 Nigerian states in 2023, according to the NBS Demographic Bulletin 2023, released on 13 April 2026. Borno accounted for 50.62% of them, Benue 11.67% and Katsina 7.23%.

Internally displaced people have fled their homes but remain inside Nigeria, mainly because of the insurgency in the north-east, conflict between farmers and herders, banditry and floods. The figures are compiled from displacement tracking in the affected states and do not include Nigerian refugees in neighbouring countries.

Official sources: NBS: Demographic Bulletin 2023

How much money do Nigerians abroad send home?

Inward remittances to Nigeria from the United Kingdom were US$12.38 billion in 2023, down from US$12.76 billion in 2022, according to Central Bank of Nigeria data reported in the NBS Demographic Bulletin 2023.

Remittances are money sent home by Nigerians living abroad, and they are a large source of foreign currency for the country. Recorded figures cover transfers through banks and money transfer operators; money carried by hand or sent through informal channels is not captured. The Central Bank of Nigeria publishes total remittance flows in its balance of payments statistics.

Official sources: NBS: Demographic Bulletin 2023

How many human trafficking cases are there in Nigeria?

968 trafficking in persons cases were recorded in Nigeria in 2023, according to the NBS Demographic Bulletin 2023. The largest categories were foreign travel to promote prostitution (173 cases), procurement for sexual exploitation (120) and buying and selling of people (102).

The figures come from cases handled by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which investigates and prosecutes trafficking. They count reported and investigated cases, so they do not measure the full extent of trafficking. NAPTIP also runs shelters for rescued victims.

Official sources: NBS: Demographic Bulletin 2023

Where do Nigerians want to migrate to?

Canada (19.5%) and Saudi Arabia (17.2%) were the most preferred destinations among potential migrants surveyed in the NBS Nigeria Irregular Migration Survey 2023. In the previous survey, in 2022, the United States (19.6%) and Canada (12.8%) were the top choices.

The survey covered households in 10 states with high levels of migration and asked people about their plans and the routes they would use. It measures intentions rather than actual departures. 86% of respondents were unaware of the Migrants Resource Centre, which gives information on safe and legal migration.

Official sources: NBS: Nigeria Irregular Migration Survey 2023

Why do Nigerians want to emigrate?

More than 30% of potential migrants in the NBS Nigeria Irregular Migration Survey 2023 said they wanted to leave Nigeria to find a job, and 51% had no means of livelihood. Canada (19.5%) and Saudi Arabia (17.2%) were the most preferred destinations.

The survey covered 10 states and asked people who intended to migrate about their reasons, plans and awareness of the risks of irregular routes. It reports intentions, not the number of people who actually leave. The Nigeria Immigration Service issues passports and records departures through official border posts.

Official sources: NBS: Nigeria Irregular Migration Survey 2023

How many foreign-born people live in Nigeria?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Nigeria was 0.6% in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.2%; Nigeria is 43rd highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 166th of 193.

What is net migration in Nigeria?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -15,258. Since 2005 it has ranged from -116,162 (2015) to 78,685 (2017). It is 36th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -5,646. Worldwide: 143rd of 193.

How many refugees does Nigeria host?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Nigeria at 123,848 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and Nigeria placed 13th highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 47th of 169.

How many refugees come from Nigeria?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Nigeria was 478,150 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 8th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 12,726. World rank, highest first: 12th of 189.

How much are remittances to Nigeria?

7.8% of GDP: that is personal remittances received in Nigeria for 2025, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 2.9% of GDP (2020) to 8.8% of GDP (2024). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.6% of GDP; Nigeria is 5th highest of 20. Worldwide: 24th of 127.