Nigeria Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Nigeria's net migration was -15,258 in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 56.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Nigeria's net migration stood at -15,258 in 2025, a rise of +19,944 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1,781 by 2026. Nigeria ranked 53rd globally.
Nigeria's net migration has experienced significant fluctuations over the past six and a half decades. At its peak in 1980, the country witnessed a net migration of 198,672 individuals, a stark contrast to its all-time trough in 1983 when it recorded a net outflow of 507,539 people. The country's net migration has been in negative territory since the early 1980s, with a recent value of -15,258 individuals in 2025, ranking it 53rd globally. Among its peer countries, Nigeria's net migration is comparable to that of Cameroon, which recorded a net outflow of -15,379 individuals in 2025. This sustained negative net migration trend suggests that Nigeria continues to experience significant out-migration, driven by factors such as economic instability and lack of opportunities. A significant improvement in the country's economic prospects or a more favorable migration policy could potentially alter the trajectory of Nigeria's net migration trend in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 29,858 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 14,039 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -1,781 | - | - |
| 2025 | -15,258 | +19,944 | #53 |
| 2024 | -35,202 | +22,734 | #25 |
| 2023 | -57,936 | −6,256 | #17 |
| 2022 | -51,680 | +34,435 | #17 |
| 2021 | -86,115 | −71,618 | #11 |
| 2020 | -14,497 | +85,225 | #39 |
| 2019 | -99,722 | −23,157 | #13 |
| 2018 | -76,565 | −155,250 | #17 |
| 2017 | 78,685 | +3,420 | #190 |
| 2016 | 75,265 | +191,427 | #184 |
| 2015 | -116,162 | −96,786 | #16 |
| 2014 | -19,376 | −59,577 | #55 |
| 2013 | 40,201 | −30,937 | #183 |
| 2012 | 71,138 | +3,330 | #191 |
| 2011 | 67,808 | +19,842 | #191 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nigeria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigeria's net migration was -15,258 in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 56.7% increase from the previous year.
Nigeria's net migration peaked at 198,672 in 1980.
The lowest net migration in Nigeria was -507,539 in 1983.
Nigeria ranks 53rd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nigeria's net migration is projected to reach -1,781 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Nigeria in 2025 was -15,258. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nigeria_net-migration,
title = {Nigeria Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nigeria/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}