Godwin ShaibuIf you’ve been following the news or talking to anyone in the Nigerian community in the UK lately, you’ve probably noticed something: there are more Nigerians in the UK than ever before.
According to the 2021 Census, 270,768 people in England and Wales stated that Nigeria was their country of birth, accounting for 0.5% of the population.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn fact, there are now over 300,000 Nigerians living across Britain, which has sparked a big debate: Are these people fleeing Nigeria’s hardships as genuine refugees? Or are they seizing better economic opportunities as skilled migrants?
Let’s dig deeper.
Why Are So Many Nigerians Moving to the UK?
Nigeria is facing serious economic challenges. In September 2024, the inflation rate rose to 32.70%, up from 32.15% in August, marking the first increase in three months.
The naira has also experienced significant depreciation, losing about 68% of its value since the implementation of the foreign exchange unification policy.
These economic pressures have made life increasingly difficult for the average person.
With these challenges, it’s no surprise that many Nigerians are seeking greener pastures, and the UK has become a prime destination. This is not only due to historic ties between the two countries but also because the UK is actively seeking skilled workers, especially in sectors like healthcare and IT.
Is It All About Jobs or Something More?
For most Nigerians, it’s about survival and seeking a more stable environment. Take Femi, a 35-year-old nurse who moved to Manchester, where he secured a job within three months.
“Back home, I was earning less than $200 a month, and it wasn’t enough to support my family,” Femi said. “Here, I make over £2,000, and although it’s not paradise, I can at least pay the bills and send some money back home.”
Many Nigerian professionals, including doctors, engineers, and IT specialists, are utilizing the UK’s skilled worker visa to create better lives for themselves. In 2023, non-EU nationals, including Nigerians, filled more new jobs in the UK than British citizens, driven by a rising demand for healthcare workers and other skilled roles.
The Struggles Behind the Move
While many Nigerians in the UK find success, it’s not all smooth sailing. Thousands have had to take tougher routes to get to the UK. Some risk everything by crossing through dangerous borders, paying huge sums to smugglers, and spending months in detention centers before they’re even allowed to apply for asylum.
Consider the case of Omar , a Nigerian migrant who spent months in Libya before paying smugglers $800 to make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Lampedusa.
His experience highlights the dangerous paths many undertake in search of safety and better opportunities.
But What About the “Economic Opportunist” Tag?
Not everyone who comes from Nigeria is fleeing persecution. Many are simply seeking better jobs and living conditions. The UK has become an attractive destination for Nigerian students and professionals, and the numbers reflect this trend.
In the year ending June 2023, 58,680 Nigerian nationals were granted sponsored study visas, representing a 73% increase from the previous year.
This surge positioned Nigeria as the third-largest source of international students in the UK, following India and China.
However, recent policy changes have impacted this trajectory. In 2024, the UK implemented restrictions limiting international students from bringing dependents, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programs. This policy shift has contributed to a decline in Nigerian student enrollments. Specifically, there was a 46% drop in study visa approvals for Nigerian students from May 2023 to June 2024.
Despite these challenges, many Nigerian students continue to pursue education in the UK, transitioning into skilled roles and making significant contributions to sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance.
Nigerian entrepreneurs in the UK have also established thriving businesses, creating jobs and adding value to the economy.
Is It Really That Easy to Settle in the UK?
Far from it. While some Nigerians get settled relatively quickly, others face challenges with visas, the asylum process, and finding work that matches their qualifications. Even when asylum is granted, the wait can be long, stressful, and mentally draining. Those seeking asylum often describe the system as “unforgiving” and “cruel.”
Additionally, some highly skilled professionals have to take up low-paying jobs to survive, partly due to the lengthy process of getting their qualifications recognized in the UK.
What are the Recent Events Shaping Nigerian Migration
The relationship between Nigeria and the UK is also changing rapidly. Recently, the UK deported 44 Nigerian and Ghanaian asylum seekers, the largest number ever sent back in a single flight. This has sparked outrage among activists who say the UK government is being too harsh. The deportation has also raised fears among Nigerians about the security of their immigration status, even if they’ve lived in the UK for years.
Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s government is attempting to implement economic reforms, but they haven’t made life easier. The removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira have led to more protests and unrest.
In August 2024, the “10 Days of Rage” protests spread across the country, reflecting the frustration of millions who feel trapped by rising prices and lack of opportunity.
The Bigger Picture: Refugees or Opportunists?
So, are Nigerians in the UK really refugees or opportunists? The answer isn’t so black-and-white. For many, it’s about escaping economic hardship, while others are seizing a chance for better jobs and education. In the end, these motivations overlap more than we might think. The label of “economic opportunist” might sound negative, but in reality, it’s just people trying to build a better life for themselves and their families.
The Way Forward
The Nigerian government’s role in addressing this brain drain extends beyond mere policy changes. It demands a fundamental shift in priorities: Is the government truly committed to job creation, or is it simply managing crises as they arise? What are the measurable steps taken so far to curb unemployment and stabilize the naira? What incentives exist to retain skilled talent within Nigeria’s borders?
Equally, the UK must grapple with its approach: Are its immigration policies balancing economic needs with genuine humanitarian commitments? How does it ensure that skilled migration doesn’t turn into exploitation?
It’s time for both governments to deliver more than rhetoric—it’s about creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals to thrive where they are most needed.
What Next?
The presence of over 300,000 Nigerians in the UK is more than a statistic; it’s a story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination. But what does it say about Nigeria’s governance when so many of its brightest choose to leave?
Is Nigeria inadvertently exporting its most valuable resource—its human capital?
Meanwhile, for the UK, the question becomes: Is it willing to integrate these migrants as contributors to its economy or just temporary fillers for labor gaps? As both nations navigate the evolving narrative of migration, they must consider whether their policies reflect a genuine desire to build inclusive societies or merely accommodate short-term needs.
