Irregular Migration of Nigerians: Causes, Implications and Policy Responses

ABSTRACT

This study examines the irregular migration of Nigerians. The main objective of this study is mainly to examine the causes, implications and policy responses to irregular migration of Nigerians. This research used the qualitative method of research (sourcing data from other documented research on the subject of irregular migration. The research finds that irregular migration has become a global trend, and the reasons for the movement could be drawn from political, economic and social reasons. In the case of Nigeria, this research found out that people are migrating irregularly due to economic and security reasons, as most of the migrants migrate due to economic reasons, particularly in the southern part of the country, with Edo State being the state with the population of irregular migrants. The research found that the main destination of these migrants is in Europe, with Italy and Spain high on the list. This research recommends that for the irregular migration to reduce, the federal government should create jobs for its teeming unemployed youths, make the business environment be business friendly and also partner with neighboring countries on proper border management. 

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i

Declaration ii

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Abstract vi

Table of contents vii

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study 1

1.2 Statement of Problem 3

1.3 Objective of the study 3

1.4 Research Questions 4

1.5 Research Preposition 4

1.6 Significance of the Study 4

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study 5

1.8 Research Methodology 5

1.9 Organization of the Study 6

1.10 Operational Definition of the Key Terms 6

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Conceptual Review 8

2.1.1 Irregular Migration 8

2.2 Irregular migration in Europe (Recent trends) 10

2.2.1 Repatriation of the Migrants in Europe 13

2.2.2 Irregular Migration in the US (Recent trends) 15

2.2.3 Irregular Migration in Africa (Recent trends) 16

2.2.4 Irregular Migration in North Africa and Middle East (Recent trends) 18

2.3 Reasons for Migration 19

2.4 Consequences of Irregular Migration in the World 22

2.5 Theoretical Framework 24

2.5.1 Institutional Theory of Migration 25

CHAPTER THREE

CAUSES AND IMPLICATIONS OF IRREGULAR MIGRATION

3.1 Contemporary History of Nigerian Irregular Migration 29

3.2 Profile of Nigerians leaving their Home-Country 31

3.2.1 Profile of Nigerian National in Transit 32

3.2.2 Profile of Nigerian Nationals in Europe 33

3.2.3 Reasons of Reasons for Irregular Migration of Nigerians 34

3.2.4 Risks and Vulnerabilities experienced in Origin, Transit and Destination Countries 38

3.2.5 Routes out of Nigeria 39

3.2.5.1 Risks and Vulnerabilities experienced in the ECOWAS Region 39

3.2.6 Routes through Niger and Libya 39

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3.2.6.1 Risks and Vulnerabilities en-route in Niger and Libya 40

3.2.7 Routes to Europe 41

3.2.7.1 Risks and Vulnerabilities on their way to Europe/ their Destination Countries 42

3.2.8 Risks and Vulnerabilities of Irregular Migrants in Host Countries 42

CHAPTER FOUR

POLICY RESPONSES TO IRREGULAR MIGRATION

4.1 Irregular Migration and Policy Responses in Nigeria 46

4.2 Agencies Managing Migration Issues in Nigeria 46

4.2.1 Existing Legal and Policy Frameworks in Nigeria 47

4.4 Nigerian Policy Response to Migrant Smuggling 50

4.5 Nigerian Policy Response on Return, Readmission and Reintegration of Nigeria

Migrants 51

4.3 African Union Migration Response Policy 51

4.4 EU Migration Policy Response 56

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary 59

5.2 Conclusion 60

5.3 Recommendations 61

Bibliography