Record Number of Nigerians Migrate to the UK in 2024 Amidst Declining Overall Net Migration

In 2024, approximately 52,000 Nigerians relocated to the United Kingdom, marking a notable rise in migration from Nigeria. This influx occurred despite a nearly 50% decrease in the UK’s overall net migration during the same period.

Primary Reasons for Migration

The majority of Nigerian immigrants,27,000 individuals,arrived on work-related visas, seeking employment opportunities in various sectors. Additionally, 22,000 Nigerians moved to the UK for educational purposes, enrolling in universities and colleges. A smaller group of 3,000 entered under other immigration categories, including family reunification and humanitarian reasons.

Nigeria Among Top Non-EU+ Contributors

These figures position Nigeria as one of the leading contributors to non-EU+ migration to the UK, alongside countries like India, Pakistan, and China. Notably, the UK’s overall net migration saw a significant decline, yet Nigerian migration remained robust.

Demographic Profile of Nigerian Immigrants

The demographic breakdown of Nigerian immigrants reveals that approximately 52% were male, and 48% were female. Notably, around 83% of these migrants were of working age (between 16 and 64 years), indicating a strong contribution to the UK’s labor force. Additionally, about 16% were children under 16, and approximately 1% were aged 65 years or over.

Implications for UK-Nigeria Relations

This surge in Nigerian migration underscores the growing ties between the UK and Nigeria, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and skilled labor. The continued movement of Nigerians to the UK highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two nations to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this demographic shift.

Written By Fortune Davidson