8 International Migration, National Development And The Role Of Governments: The Case Of Nigeria

Chapter Summary

This chapter gives a brief overview of Nigerian international migration and aims to analyse the views and policies of Nigeria-based stakeholders with regard to migration and development linkages. It tries to throw light on the major migration trends and to identify the major policy issues and dilemmas from the perspective of the Nigerian interviewees. So far, policy is too much guided by unsubstantiated assumptions on migration development linkages. Therefore, more empirical research on Nigerian migration as well its development implications is needed in order to develop more informed policies on the issue. The chapter tries to formulate some hypotheses concerning policies put in place by Nigeria and European states that might maximise the positive development impact of migration while minimising its negative effects. Some targeted policy actions were mentioned by the interviewees, which are seen as enhancing the development contribution of migration.

Keywords:European states; international migration; Nigeria; Nigerian migration policies