www.rsisinternational.org
Page 448

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

Trans-Atlantic Migration and the Rights of Women in Nigeria, 2015-
2023

Blessing Chugo Idigo Ph.D, Collins Ekene Okelue, Emesiani Ifeanyi Godspower, Iteke Wilson Chibuzor

Department of Political Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000040

Received: 23 Sep 2025; Accepted: 30 Sep 2025; Published: 01 November 2025

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the seemingly menaced by turbulent challenges arising from migration which causes
brain drain to the economy of the country. It explores the trans-Atlantic migration and its impact on the rights
of women in Nigeria. The rising rate of migration by women in Nigeria is traced to lack of access to
information and unaware of their rights and this make them vulnerable to unsafe (irregular) migration and
exploitation. In most part of States in Nigeria, if not all, women are often seen as having little say in the
decisions that affects their lives (limited decision making power) and this, make them more susceptible to
trafficking and exploitation. These study delved into how the impact of trans-Atlantic migration by Nigerian
women has portrayed the Nigerian image to the outside world and its impact on the socio-economic polity of
the country from 2015-2023. Ultimately, the study adopted mixed theories of push-pull factor and abolitionist
theories as a framework of analysis. The study is qualitative in nature and data were gathered through
secondary sources such as documented evidences/policy, books, journals, internet source. Findings revealed
that when practices or policies in a country of one’s origin discriminate against women, for instance, limiting
their access to resources or educational opportunities, by hindering their political participation, and their
contribution to the society is reduced, there is bond for migration. The study recommended that there is an
urgent need for a comprehensive re-orientation of women on their fundamental human rights as well as
empowerment of Nigerian women through the Ministry of women Affairs. And abolition of all forms of
discrimination melted on women by setting up a task force teams nation-wide to see to its full implementation.

Keywords: Trans-Atlantic migration, brain-drain, fundamental human right, push-pull migration, abolitionist
theory

INTRODUCTION

Migration is as old as man, either across an international border or within a State. It is an ancient concept
which is multifaceted, and increasingly growing in popularity. Even the ancient bible days shows incidences of
migration in many occasions. Migration because of persecution has been formally addressed in international
conventions consequent upon the Second World War while employment migration was regulated earlier on as
part of international labour law and economic practices. Firstly, how do the expectations, relationships and
hierarchies associated with being female or male affect the potential for international migration process and
fundamental human right of emigrants? Secondly, how do gender inequalities in the societies of destination
affect the experiences of migrant women and migrant men? Thirdly, to what extent and in what ways does
migration benefit or disadvantage men and women? And lastly, what steps should be taken to ensure equal
opportunities and outcomes for migrant women and migrant men? The participation of women in migration
depends on the social roles of women, their right and capacity to make decisions, their access to resources, and
the existing gender stratification in countries of origin and destination. The international migrant workers
estimation globally constitutes nearly 5 per cent of the universal labour force and it is a core aspect of the
world economy (ILO, 2021). It also clearly shows that as a fact, no state can address international migration by
itself, since it is a universal concept. And in as much as man’s quest is insatiable, so also they quest for better
living condition and urge to migrate becomes high especially a developing country like Nigeria. National
Bureau of Statistics, (2018) recorded that Nigeria as a country has had more than a million arrivals and
departures of foreigners into the country by 2017. Although involuntary migration is an important part of

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 449

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

Nigerian immigration, the records, as published by the Nigerian Immigration Services and other national
agencies, do not necessarily cover refugee inflows. The international migration of women has been
insufficiently studied to date with implications for the rights and legal protection of female migrants. The
intersections of gender, immigration and labour policies condition the migratory experiences of female
migrants in ways that are different to African especially Nigerian men’s experience of migration. It is in these
spheres that interventions need to be made to improve the working and social conditions of female migrants in
ways that can contribute to inclusive growth and structural transformation on the nation.

Evident is the increasing rate of international female migrate across board (Falls, 2017) While international
migration in some countries are male dominated, the rate at which Nigerian-female migrate is alarming.
However, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported a total of 34,700 refugees entering
Nigeria in 2018, with 96.1 per cent coming from Cameroon. The number of Nigerians living abroad reached
1.3 million by 2017, almost three times the 1990 value of 465,932 according to the World Bank Global
Bilateral Migration Database (2018). Part of this increase has been driven by population growth and high
unemployment in Nigeria, as well as by labour market opportunities in the global north. Educational
attainment is also related to the mode of migration, as youth with secondary school education dominate the
involuntary migration population.

The attraction of market opportunities is strong for Nigerian skilled migrants, who make up 83 per cent of all
Nigerian migrants to Europe, and 46 per cent of those in the United States.

According to Afrobarometer survey (2018) one out of every three Nigerians would like to migrate out of the
country. At the same time, immigration policy has become more restrictive in much of Europe and the United
States. One key focus has been irregular migration, in particular human trafficking, especially since 80 percent
of survivors of trafficking are women. Other various forms of migration are; climate migration, displacement,
internal migration, international migration, irregular migration, labour migration, migrant, safe, orderly and
regular migration. And there are many factors which prompt Female-Nigerians to migrate to Europe which
includes; political instability, insecurity, lack of access to basic education, high unemployment rate, poverty,
obnoxious law against women, lack of social amenities, internal conflicts etc. All these challenges create a
fertile ground for migration to strive (Frontex, 2019)

Statement of the problem

Migration of women has always been an important component of international migration (ILO, 2005). As of
2000, the United Nations Population Division estimates that 49 per cent of all international migrants were
women or girls, and that the proportion of women among international migrants had reached 51 per cent in
more developed regions. Women often migrate officially as dependent family members of other migrants or to
marry someone in another country. Female migrants are, however, increasingly part of flows of migrant
workers, moving on their own to become the principal wage earners for their families. Most migrant women
move voluntarily, while some women and girls are also forced migrants leaving their countries in order to flee
from conflict, persecution, environmental degradation, natural disasters or other situations that affect their
security, livelihood or habitat. As a key organizing principle of society, gender is central to any discussion of
the causes and consequences of international migration, including the process of decision-making involved and
the mechanisms leading to migration. However, over the years, Nigeria has gained the unpopular recognition
globally as a patriarchal society in which the inalienable rights of women are often subjected to ridicule,
extensive abuse, neglect and violations. Cultural, religious and societal norms have arguably entrenched a
historical imbalance in power relationships between men and women and have tilted the overall perceptions
and roles of women in Nigeria. In Nigeria, it could be said that the abuse of rights of a woman begins from the
time she was born and up till the time of her death. In many parts of Nigeria, particularly the North, women
who are prematurely and compulsorily betrothed to a man at birth are not allowed access to basic education
and are generally burdened with domestic household chores and duties. These becomes the foundation for a
lifetime of circular and absolute dependence on a man she does not know, and upon the demise of the man her
right to inherit his property is denied and her life becomes miserable because of obnoxious practices and laws
which she could be made to undergo as a sign of respect for the deceased husband. These cultural, religious
and societal norms and values are arguably at the root of the historical neglect of women in Nigeria. The

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 450

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

discriminatory trends against Africans and Nigerian women in particular are violations of their fundamental
human rights against discrimination, a right recognized in a number of core international human rights
instrument. For such mean treatment, a good number of Articles backed up the fundamental right of a woman,
which includes; Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which states
that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the
law. It requires States to prohibit discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection
against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property, birth or other status. And Article 2(3) of the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) also contains similar provisions on non-discrimination. The
United Nation Sub-commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Human Rights,
described prevention of discrimination as the prevention of any action which denies to individuals or groups of
people the equality of treatment which they may wish. Article 1 of the Convention on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination (CERD) defines discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference
based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or
impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise on an equal footing of human rights and fundamental
freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life. Article 7 of the
Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) also provides for the
elimination of discrimination against women in political and public life. Article 5 encourages states to take
measures to eliminate prejudices and stereotypes against women. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) also provides that ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’.
Article 2 notes that ‘everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Universal Declaration
without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other matters. And so,
these rapid ascendancy of human rights in Nigeria, coupled with Nigeria’s prominent role as a signatory to
virtually all the core international human right treaties and instruments raised expectations that women in
Nigeria may begin to enjoy some measure of protection from archaic and anachronistic practices that subject
them to a wanton abuse. However, that’s not always true, as the abuse of women right and some sort of gender
inequality are evident in our day to day activities in the country. These and some other challenges necessitate a
Nigerian woman to leave her country home abode and seek for safety in a far away Europe (migration)

This paper examines the nature, scope and extent of human rights protection accorded to women under Nigeria
domestic laws and under international law. It also reflects on why women migrate to Europe which is the key
and emerging issues under study.

Conceptual clarification

Migration

Trans-border migration refers to movement of people across the border (Atlantic Ocean) in order to settle on
the continents of North and South America. Africans, particularly, Nigerian-female both voluntary and
involuntary (commodification of man) migration is a long-standing and growing phenomenon. Migration in
Nigeria can be traced to the era of the slave trade, between 1400 and 1900. It is recorded that over 12 million
Africans were exported to Europe and America. And the country (Nigeria) in particular lost about 2 million
forced labour migrants. Migration according to Heckert (2015) is the movement of a person or people from
one country, locality, place of residence etc, to settle in another. It is not a recent phenomenon as it involves
the movement of people from one place to another in search of a better standard of living, this thereby brings
about regional integration, which according to (Emesiani et al, 2024; Idigo & Osegbue, 2025), is the process
by which two or more nations-states agree to cooperate and work closely together to achieve peace, stability,
and wealth. Heckert (2015) noted that youths migrate to Europe seeking for better opportunities, drawn by the
allure of greener pastures. However, some overlook the challenges, including cultural adjustment, economic
uncertainties, and legal complexities. Fueled by hope, they often ignore these consequences, facing difficulties
in their pursuit of a better life in a foreign land. Migration also refers to the relatively permanent movement of
people, to change their place of residence (Baldassar, 2014). Like many other developing countries in the
world, in Nigeria however, there is a general tendency that youths between the age of 15-25 years migrated to
urban areas in search of better opportunities and living conditions in the cities (United Nations, 2013). Idigo
(2024) opines that government can create policies that will ensure that the right of migrants especially female

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 451

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

migrates to social services are protected. Oluyemi and Adeola (2012) on the other hand, stressed that the youth
are been preoccupied with this movement because it provides them with work and better opportunities not
available in their places of origin. It constitutes an important stage in the transition to adulthood and an
opportunity for independent income generation.

Accordingly, the International Organization of Migration (IOM) defined migration as the movement of person
or persons, leaving or fleeing their usual residence for diverse reasons.

The interconnectedness associated with globalization has led to increased interdependency of the developing
countries on the developed ones. Movement of goods, capital and labor (migration) etc across the globe is
swiftly on a very high pace. Though, despite the good aspect of migration lies the ugly part of it on both the
emigrant country and the host. Along with the sense of freedom and voluntary migration (new cadre of
Nigerian immigrants) which is quite different from the old era of force slavery from the European colonizer
through the Atlantic Ocean.

For the present era, women immigrants lie the primary motivating factors, which includes, desire for a better
life whether fleeing from political persecution, refugee crisis, economic hardships or a combination thereof.
The overall consequences include; displacement, alienation, and the not so enchanting reality of exile.

Fundamental Human Right

Everyone is entitled to human right which includes right to live free from violence and discrimination; to enjoy
the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; to be educated; to own property; to vote and to
earn an equal right. The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW) 1979 is a key international treaty addressing gender-based discrimination and providing specific
protection for women’s right. Also CEDAW recommends that state parties must ensure that legislation on
gender-based violence provides adequate protection to all women and respect for their integrity and dignity
and endorsed all signatories to take all legal and necessary measures to provide effective protection of women
against gender-based violence, including effective legal measures, including penal sanctions, civil remedies
and compensatory provisions to protect women against all kinds of violence. Nigeria is also a signatory to the
African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which it has taken the extra steps to domesticate, thus making
the Charter domestic law in Nigeria. In addition, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, to which Nigeria is a signatory, requires State parties to enact and
enforce laws to prohibit all forms of violence against women, and take all necessary legislative and other
measures to eliminate harmful practices. Epidemiological evidence shows that violence is a major cause of ill
health among women and girls, as seen through death and disabilities due to injuries, and through increased
vulnerability to a range of physical and mental health problems (Krug et al, 2002, Mugawe & Powell, 2006).

METHODOLOGY

This paper engaged content analysis and is qualitative in nature. We got information on the current status of
the subject matter under study. This aided in critical analysis of the phenomenon under study through logical
deductions. Data collection process was primarily relied on secondary sources, due to the historical and
analytical nature of the study by providing insights into patterns of Trans-Atlantic migration, policy changes,
and evolving status of women’s rights in Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. The process involved systematic
identification, selection and analysis of relevant literature and data repositories like academic Journals and
Articles, Legislative and Policy Documents; (Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, Bilateral
Migration Agreements and Gender Equality Policy, UNHCR briefs), Government and International
Organizational Reports (NBS, Ministry of Women Affairs, UN Women). Relevance to Research Objectives,
Credibility and Authority, Recency and Timeliness, geographical and cultural context and also Availability
and Accessibility were adopted criteria’s that ensured the reliability, relevance and academic rigor and also
guided the study.

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 452

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

Theoretical Framework

The study adopted Push-Pull theory of migration by Lee and abolitionist theory as theoretical framework of
analysis. The theory is apt as it best explains the phenomenon under study. The theory hampered on the fact
that the reason why women migrate are determined by push and pull factor, which are forces that either induce
people to move to a new location, or oblige them to leave old residence. And one of these factors is obnoxious
law against women in our society, Nigeria and Africa at large. Pull factor are opposite of push factors. There
are other conditions that forces people to migrant to another country, for example, safety from armed bandit,
terrorism, kidnapping by ransom, farmers-header’s crisis and all forms of social vices. While pull factors are
those things that made people to migrant to another country which includes job opportunity, better living
condition and most importantly security of life and property of its citizen by the government. However,
Ravenstein (1885) first contributes to his paper ‘law of migration’ to the discipline of population studies.
Everett Spurgeon Lee, an American Professor of Sociology proposed the theory of push and pull in 1966
(Parkin, 2010). However, abolitionist theory came under the leadership of William Lloyd Garrison, a Boston
journalist and social reformer in 1820. This theory is a political and social philosophy that advocates the
abolition of various systems of oppression, inequality and violence. It emerged from the abolition of slavery
movement and has since expanded to encompass a broader range of issues like, prison abolition, gender and
sexual violence, obnoxious laws etc. The theory called for the prohibition of ownership of people (slavery). It
was a movement that was organized to end the practice of slavery. Much emphasis is placed on abolition of all
form or practice of slavery which is one of human kind’s most deeply rooted institutions. The abolitionist
response seeks to restore both the criminal and the victim to full humanity, to lives of integrity and dignity in
the community. They advocate the least amount of coercion and intervention in an individual’s life and the
maximum amount of care and services to all people in the society. Other proponents of abolition theory
include, Williams Wiberforce, Fredrick Douglas, John Greenleaf Whittier, Ruth Wilson, Angela Davis and
Harriet Beecher Stowe among others.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

Root causes of Trans-Atlantic migration among Nigerian women in the contemporary society

Armed Banditry

In Nigeria, armed banditry has become a contemporary threat to the national security. As noted by Okonkwo
and Idigo (2024), armed banditry and kidnappings for ransom have surged, as the criminal activities have
instilled fear in people at rural communities, with disruptions of farmer’s farm land. The overlapping link such
as herders-farmers’ clashes, ungoverned spaces, proliferation of small arms and weapons, unknown gunmen all
influencing the current security dilemma in Nigeria. Accordingly, armed bandits can be referred to as gangs of
criminals who terrorize and take valuable possessions of the local populations and travelers, such as their
merchandise, money, livestock, camels and sheep. The bandits are characterized by cattle rustling, attack,
kidnapping at ransom, killings of innocent citizens and rapes as a form of sexual violence against victims (Ojo,
et al, 2023). The emergence of armed banditry in Nigeria has triggered the prevalence and multiple killing in
the country and this prompt citizen to migrate to another country in search of safety. They threat are
multifaceted, multifarious and multidimensional ranging from kidnapping, political assassination, ritual
killings, to mention but a few (Utibe, T & Ilufoye, S, 2024) These armed bandits and Boko-haram are
increasingly cooperating in recruitment, training, logistics, weaponry and attacks on vulnerable citizens. The
society ungoverned spaces offers insights into some of these attacks thereby highlighting the vulnerability of
the population to kidnapping for ransom.

Terrorism

According to Enders, Gaibulloev and Sandler (2011), terrorism can be defined as the

premeditated use or threat to use violence by individuals or sub-national groups against noncombatants in
order to obtain a political or social objective through the intimidation of a large audience beyond that of the
immediate victims’. It involves act or use of explosive device to cause mayhem on the general populace. For

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 453

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

instance, Boko-haram extremist group has been terrorizing the northern part of Nigeria since 2009 and other
sub Sahara region. Idigo (2022) noted that insurgency in northern part of Nigeria threaten security not just in
Nigeria but in the sub Sahara region and international community at large.

Unemployment

Unemployment have over time contributed to one of the reasons for migration of women in Nigeria,
Unemployment have been the order of the day especially from young graduates which mostly seek for
government white collar employment after education, thus aligning with this submission, Rufai (2019) asserted
that females of about 60% were working got employed after they have migrated. To this end, Olaniyan(2017)
further identified unemployment as an economic factor which drives women to seek better prospect abroad

Marriage

As a socially and legally sanctioned union between two individuals typically involving emotional, physical,
financial and social commitments, marriage remains a core life necessity for women which cuts across the
globe. According to Rufai (2019); Migration, Labor Mobility and Household Poverty in Nigeria: A Gender
Analysis, almost 40% of the females migrated as a result of marriage arrangements

Political instability

As a factor with the likelihood of disruptions, political instability can lead to significant population movement
as people leave unstable regions in search of safety and stability. To this end, Chinweuba (2020), noted that
many businesses have become defunct, and many multi-national companies have departed the shores of
Nigeria. Political instability under-mind development of all sectors, while stability encourages infrastructural
development and economic growth, as Idigo (2024) observed that infrastructure in general create job
opportunities either directly or indirectly. Accordingly, Evaristus (2020) observed also that political instability
in Nigeria is the catalyst behind the unabated collapse of critical infrastructures and sectors. He noted that this
results in massive migration of Nigerians to other countries of the world. More so, Ofobuike et al (2025),
opines that the role of global community is critical and crucial in shaping prospects for a two State solution

Pattern of contemporary migration in Nigeria

Source: Ezekwe, C.I, Imara J.N & Appolos, E. (2023) Field Data

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 454

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

Source: Ezekwe, C.I, Imara J.N & Appolos, E. (2023) Field Data

Migration of women and its impact

Negative impact

Brain drain: This is an act of highly skilled, educated, or talented individual or individuals leaving one’s
country or region to another in search of better opportunities, higher pay, or improved one’s living condition.
This act has a significant impact on the country’s sector as they leave. It is a vital part of migration as a mass
exodus of people, mostly women can lead to brain drain

Security: Depending on the receiving country, they may have no protection or recourse in case of abuse.
Migrant women are also affected by gender inequality in the society of destination. Often time, refugee women
and girls or those who are displaced are particularly vulnerable when they find themselves in situations where
their security cannot be ensured and where they may be subject to sexual violence or exploitation. More so,
trafficking of women and girls for prostitution and forced labour is one of the fastest growing areas of
international criminal activity. Women who are trafficked are the most vulnerable of all migrants as the
process of trafficking involves exploitation, coercion and the abuse of power. Trafficking builds on existing
gender inequalities.Trafficked women frequently originate from regions where there are few employment
opportunities for women and where women are dependent on others and lack access to resources to change
their situation. Trafficked women and girls often believe they will work in legitimate occupations but find
themselves trapped into forced prostitution, marriage, domestic work, sweatshops and other forms of
exploitation that are similar to slavery.

Positive Impact

Job opportunity: Migrants contribute to the economic development of the countries of their destination through
their competencies and skills, and to that of their countries of origin through their remittances and their
increased experience when they return to those countries.

Financial assistance: Adding financial responsibilities to the other responsibilities that women have, such as
child-rearing, can lead to stress but can also provide women the opportunity of gaining autonomy and
experience in decision-making in their various homes. Often, migrant women help other family members to
migrate by paying for the costs of the move

Diaspora Remittances: This have become a vital component of Nigeria’s economy, providing significant
benefits to the country by boosting foreign exchange reserves, supports individual’s household consumption,

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 455

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

contributes to Nations Gross Domestic Products, and help to increase financial inclusion particularly in areas
where access to formal financial services is limited

Cultural Enrichment: Emigrants helps to show cast their cultures, values and believe system to the outside
world, bringing in different cultures together, enriching the social fabric of host countries. They help to
introduce new perspectives, cuisines and traditions, fostering global understanding and cultural diversity.

FINDINGS

The study discovered that job opportunity, better living condition and most importantly security of life and
property of its citizen by the government necessitates Trans-Atlantic migration and the rights of women in
Nigeria between 2015-2023, during the period from 2015 to 2023, economic hardship, high rate of
unemployment, inflation and weak economic policies contributed to a labor exodus particularly among skilled
workers commonly known referred Brain Drain.

Also, studies has find out that when practices or policies in the country of origin discriminate against women,
for instance, limiting their access to resources or educational opportunities, by hindering their political
participation, the capacity of women to participate fully in society and contribute to it is reduced, there is bond
for migration.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

No doubt, Trans-Atlantic migration has been a driving force behind economic growth, cultural exchange, and
social development, shaping the modern world into a more interconnected and diverse place. However, the fact
still remains that its negative impact on the emigrant country state of origin is enormous. In light of the
findings that job opportunities, living conditions, and security are key drivers of Trans-Atlantic migration and
its impact on the rights of women in Nigeria, the following recommendations are proposed:

Strengthen Economic Opportunities: The Nigerian governments should prioritize sustainable economic
reforms that promote job creation, entrepreneurship and skills development, particularly targeting youths and
women. This includes investment in the tech, Agriculture, and manufacturing sectors to reduce unemployment
and economic migration.

Improve Security Infrastructure: there is an urgent need for comprehensive security sector reform. The
government must enhance the capacity of Law enforcement agencies, ensure community policing and address
the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, ethnic tensions, and religious extremism.

Advance Women’s Rights and Protection: government and civil society must work together to implement
gender-sensitive policies, strengthen laws against gender-based violence, and ensure their enforcement.
Programs should be designed to empower women economically, socially, and politically thereby reducing the
need to seek refuge abroad for basic rights and protection.

Job creation will avert migration which causes brain drain to the nation’s economy, empowerment of Nigerian
women through the Ministry of Women Affairs and an Urgent need for a comprehensive re-orientation of their
Fundamental Human Rights.

Create Safe and Legal Migration Pathways: While reducing forced migration is key, the government should
also engage with international bodies to establish legal migration channels that protect migrants’ rights and
dignity, especially for women who are often vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

REFERENCES

1. Chinweuba, G. E. (2020). Low Level Corruption in Nigerian Society: A Critical Investigation. Journal
of Philosophy and Public Affairs, 4(1), pp. 26-40.

www.rsisinternational.org
Page 456

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025

2. Enders W, Gaibulloev K and Sandler T (2011) Domestic versus transnational terrorism: data,
decomposition, and dynamics. Journal of Peace Research 4(8), pp. 319–337.

3. Evaristus (2020). Political Instability In Nigeria: Causes, Impacts And Philosophic Solutions. Journal
of Applied Philosophy, 18(6). ISSN: 1597-0779

4. Emesiani (2024). The Alliance of Sahel States and the Future of West African Regional Integration.
Direct Research Journal of Social Sciences and Educational Studies, 13(1), pp.27-38, http://journals.
directresearchpiblisher.org/index.php/drjsses

5. Heckert, J. (2015). Negotiating migration: The experiences of Haitian youth and their families. Poster
presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America, New Orleans, LA

6. Idigo, B.C. (2022). Terrorism and National Security in Nigeria: A Case of Boko-Haram, 2009-2019.
International Journal of General Studies (IJGS), 2(1), pp.86-105

7. Idigo, B. C. (2024). Cross Border Migration and Human Security in Nigeria. Journal of Education,
Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), Management and Social Sciences (JEHMSS),
2(4), pp. 37-60. https://klamidas.com/ jehmss-v2n4-2024-03/

8. Idigo, B. C. (2024). Effect of China-Nigeria Economic Relations on Infrastructural Development in
Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Legal & Political Studies 12(1), pp. 11-25, .seahipaj.org
ISSN: 2467-8503

9. Idigo, B. C., & Osegbue, C.P. (2025). African Union, Conflict Resolution and Malian Conflict, 2012-
2022. Multidiscilinary Research and Development Journal International, (MDRDJ), 7(1), pp.200-213.
https/mdrdji.org/index.php/mdj/article/view/132

10. Idigo, B. C., & Nwankwo, O.B.C. (2025). African Union Conflict Intervention Framework and the
Malian Conflict, 2012-2022. International Journal of Education, Research and Scientific Development.
(IJRESD), 8(1), pp.37-52. https/www.ijresd.net

11. International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2019). "Migration in Nigeria: A Country Profile 2019.
Retrieved 28 January 2025, from https://publications.iom.int/books/migration-nigeriacountry-profile-
2019

12. IOM (2023). More Nigerian female involved in internal migration. Retrieved from https;// Nigeria
.iom.int/news/more-nigerian-females-involved-internal-migration

13. IOM. (2019). Migration in Nigeria: Thematic Document on National Security and Migration, towards
an Effective Cross-Border. International Organization for Migration (IOM)

14. Jideofor, A., Imara J.N & Appolos, E (2023). Illegal Migration to Europe and Nigeria’s Policy
Response: Trends and Analysis. African journal of politics and administration studies, 16(2), pp. 156-
181

15. Krug et al., (2002) World Report on Violence and Health, ISBN 9241545615, UN World Health
Organization(WHO) https://www.refworld.org/reference/themreport/who/2002/en/103236

16. Ofobuike, C. L, Okelue C.E, Iteke, C. W. (2025). Post-Conflict Viability of a two –State solution: A
Geospatial Analysis of Reconstruction Challenges in Gaza. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
(IOSR-JHSS), 30(4), pp. 25-31

17. Ojo, T. O., et al (2023) Why move abroad? Factors influencing migration intentions of final year
students of health-related disciplines in Nigeria. Retrieved 28 January 2025 from doi:10.1186/s12909-
023-046y83-6

18. Okonkwo, E.A. & Idigo, B.C. (2024). Erosion of Institutional Efficacy: The Nexus Between
Governance Failures and Escalating Insecurity in Nigeria. International Journal of Academic
Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR), 8(10), pp. 122-127 ISSN: 2643-9670

19. Olaniyan, O.A (2017). Migration of Nigerian Women: Causes And Consequences. Journal of
International Migration And Integration, 18(3), 537-553 doi 10.1007/s12134-016-0495-5

20. Oluyemi, O. & Adeola, G. L., (2012). The political and security implications of cross border migration
between Nigeria and her Francophone Neighbours. International journal of social sciences, 1(3) pp.1-9

21. Parkin, N.C., (2010) Push and pull factors of migration. In American Review of political economy,
8(2) Retrieved 22 March, 2025, from doi: https://doi.org/10.38024/arpe.119

22. Rufai (2019); Migration, Labor Mobility and Household Poverty in Nigeria: A Gender Analysis:
file:///C:/Users/User/Documents/economies-07-00101-v3.pdf