Disturbing Trend: Northern Youths Leaving Nigeria Over Biting Hardship

Northern youths are increasingly migrating from Nigeria to countries in the Middle East and North Africa due to economic challenges, according to reports by Daily Trust.

One such individual is Hassan Dantsoho, a graduate, who plans to relocate to Kuwait for better prospects. He expressed his intention to start a travel agency there, focusing on health personnel and other skilled and unskilled workers from Nigeria.

Dantsoho highlighted the potential for Nigerians to earn higher incomes abroad, especially in professions like plumbing, where they could make at least N600,000 monthly.

He emphasized the allure of lucrative salaries, citing the example of doctors in Kuwait earning a minimum of N6 million monthly. Dantsoho sees this as an opportunity for migrants to invest and build a stable future abroad.

This migration trend is part of a larger pattern, with records showing a significant increase in the number of Nigerians leaving the country for various destinations. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported over 240,000 migrants from Nigeria in 2022, with a substantial portion heading to the UK, Canada, and the USA.

Similarly, a 2023 study by Migration Control.Info revealed a notable rise in the number of Nigerians living abroad, particularly from the South-South, North-Central, and South-West regions.

The story also highlights individual experiences, such as that of Hassan Abdulsalam, a tailor who ventured to Algeria in search of better opportunities and returned home with considerable wealth. He plans to migrate to Qatar for further prospects.

Aliyu Ibrahim, the owner of a travel agency in Kano, attested to the growing demand for migration services among Nigerian youths, with inquiries pouring in daily. He noted that many youths are driven by the desire to escape economic hardship and seek better fortunes abroad.

Ibrahim explained the process involved in migration, including visa arrangements and job placements in countries like Dubai, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the range of job opportunities available to Nigerians, from driving to waitressing, reflecting the diverse avenues for employment abroad.

Overall, the story underscores the economic challenges driving northern youths to seek opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders and sheds light on the complexities and aspirations associated with international migration.


Image credit: Daily Trust