Socio-economic deprivation and intended migration abroad among Abuja residents in North Central, Nigeria.

Abstract

Out-migration of Nigerians has become a persistent global issue, contributing to brain drain and shortages of skilled professionals in different sectors such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, and education. Despite growing concerns about this situation, little has been done to address the root causes of migration in Nigeria adequately. Unfortunately, many Nigerians are of the view that migration is the only viable solution to socio-economic challenges such as limited employment opportunities, poor infrastructure, inadequate social support, and systemic inequality. This study, therefore, investigates migration in Nigeria, with a focus on socio-economic deprivation. N-100 structured questionnaires were distributed in Abuja.  The following research questions were addressed: What form of socio-economic deprivation do Nigerians experience? How do these deprivations influence their decisions to migrate? What are the most effective ways to mitigate these deprivations? To address these questions, primary data were collected through key informant interviews and qualitative analysis of social media discussions on migration, while secondary data were drawn from relevant literature. The study is framed within the confines of the relative deprivation and push-pull theories of Migration as expanded by contemporary scholars. The study examines the relationship between socio-economic deprivation and the intention to migrate abroad among residents of Abuja, Nigeria. Focusing on socio-economic deprivation indices, the study employed an explanatory concurrent mixed-methods design (QUAN-qual) using purposive sampling. Data were collected from 100 intended migrants in Abuja through questionnaires and from 6 key informants via interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with SPSS using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed with Atlas.  The thrust of the paper is that socio-economic deprivation indices are the driving force for intended emigration among Abuja residents in North-central Nigeria. The study therefore recommends viable citizen-driven policies to address the underlying challenges of emigration in Nigeria.