Nigerian Youth Migration and Human Resource Management Adaptations
Nigerian Youth Migration and Human Resource Management Adaptations
Abstract
The phenomenon of youth migration in Nigeria presents a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching
implications for human resource practices. This study employs a mixed convergent methodology
incorporating structured survey with systematic literature review to investigate the intricate
dynamics of Nigerian youth migration and the adaptations necessary within Human Resource
Management (HRM) practices. Built upon the theoretical foundations of Push and Pull Theory and
Human Capital Theory, this study examines the fundamental forces that propel Nigerian youth
migration and the corresponding human resource management (HRM) adaptations required to
effectively address the situation. The research provides a thorough comprehension of the decision-
making process involved in migration by examining both the factors that push people to migrate
and the factors that attract them to a new location. It acknowledges that the fundamental reasons
driving migration are still relevant, leading to a loss of skilled individuals and significant
consequences for Nigeria's human resource management and socio-economic progress. Based on
the findings, the study recommended that the HRM strategy should incorporate innovative
measures to motivate employees, provide a favourable work environment and reducing staff
turnover while highlighting the need for government intervention in pertinent sectors.
government, intervention.
2
1.0. Introduction
variables have prompted the relocation of individuals from rural to urban areas, as well as from
one region of the world to another, in pursuit of improved prospects (Irine, 2023). Youth migration
prospects, and the desire to escape poverty, violence, conflict, and environmental challenges
(UNDESA, 2016). According to the International Labour Organisation ILO (2024), approximately
The Population Division of the United Nations projected that in 2020, there were a total of
281 million international migrants across the globe, representing a wide range of characteristics
including country of origin, gender, age, and level of education. During the previous decade,
immigrants accounted for 47% of the workforce growth in the United States and 70% in Europe;
furthermore, they make a substantial contribution to the flexibility of the labour market,
According to available data, international migration has been on the rise, and immigrants
are making important contributions to the most dynamic sectors of developed economies,
particularly in healthcare and STEM occupations (Dumont, 2014). However, the effects on
Its significant socio-economic impact has raised concerns over the management of human
3
resources. Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa and one of its largest economies,
has been greatly impacted by youth migration, which is primarily influenced by a mix of push and
burgeoning population that is both a source of great potential and a pressing challenge for the
continent's development (ACBF, 2017). According to African Youth Charter, people between the
ages of 18 to 35 years are considered as youth whereas the National Youth Policy in Nigeria set
In Nigeria, various economic factors such as high unemployment rates, limited job
opportunities, low wages, political instability, insecurity, and social unrest are driving young
Nigerians to seek better opportunities abroad. At the same time, a desire for better education,
competitive professional growth, and improved quality of life are attracting them to Europe, North
America, Asia, the Middle East, and certain prominent African countries. (Nwoke, 2019)
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated in 2024 that young people make
up the majority of annual migrant movements. They are considered the most mobile social group
and ‘scapegoats for the shortcomings of economic and social systems” (para 1). The report states
that young individuals are motivated by various factors such as the aspiration to enhance their own
and their families' quality of life, pursue educational goals, enhance their professional abilities and
opportunities, or seek personal growth through the experiences and challenges that come with
landscape and the prevailing "japa" trend has far-reaching consequences for both its human capital
4
development and economic growth (Okunade and Awosusi, 2023). Youth migration in Nigeria
follows diverse patterns and routes, reflecting the varied aspirations and circumstances of migrants
and driven by a complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors ultimately contributing
to brain drain, as skilled and talented young Nigerians seek opportunities abroad, depriving the
country of valuable human capital (Bashorun, 2023) and creating gaps for human resource
management adaptations.
Hence, this paper seeks to explore the nexus between Nigerian youth migration and HRM
adaptations as it:
3. identifies how organizations can leverage the potential benefits of youth migration for
HRM in Nigeria.
2.0. Methodology
This study has utilised a research strategy that combines both quantitative and qualitative
data, using a convergent mixed method approach (Hafsat, 2019). Combining data collection
through surveys with a comprehensive examination of relevant literature offers a more profound
understanding of the research topic, which is Nigerian youth migration and HRM adaptations. This
approach also enables a statistical analysis that accurately represents patterns and variations in
behaviour.
Structured survey was deployed using Google Forms, targeting diverse subjects identified
as students, employed, self-employed, unemployed dispersed within the age brackets 18-24, 25-
5
34, 35-44, 45 and above. This selection was based on the need to diversify the sample base and
ensure a balanced perspective that cuts across the different segment of the population.
Snowball sampling was adopted as the sampling strategy due largely to its potential to
reach interconnected or hidden population, thus widening the sample base and providing diverse
Furthermore, electronic literature search was conducted on Google Scholar and JSTOR
databases to retrieve extant literature on general youth migration, HRM practices, as well as
dimensions of the subjects that are peculiar to Nigeria. The documents were collated, synthesized,
and harmonized to give a general context to the subject of Nigerian youth migration and HRM
adaptations.
3.1. Migration
According to Irine 2023, migration is not a problem in and of itself, and it promotes human
development. They perceived the changes in the structure of the migrating population and
highlighted that most migrants choose a better quality of life abroad than a most familiar life at
home. Similar to Nwoke's (2019) research, the study categorised fundamental economic reasons
that motivate migration into Push and Pull components. Economic factors such as low income,
to migrate to developed countries. They are attracted by the potential for better job opportunities,
higher wages, improved facilities, better economic conditions, a higher quality of living, and the
phenomenon with both advantages and disadvantages that drive it. It is anticipated to increase in
the future, primarily because of the growing disparity in wages between developed and developing
Bashorun (2023) explored the history of emigration in Nigeria, specifically focusing on the
1970s when a significant number of Nigerian residents permanently migrated to the Western world
for higher education and improved prospects. The study documented a substantial rise in the
departure of highly skilled individuals from Nigeria. It identified many variables, such as
education, career opportunities, political freedom, satisfactory living conditions, exposure, and
According to Okunade and Awosusi (2023), 'japa' is a term used by Nigerians to refer to
the trend of Nigerians migrating to Europe and other regions of the world. They observed that
Africa has experienced different levels of migration and examined the endogamous and
The study argued that the current trend of emigration from Nigeria is linked to the neo-
liberal structure of the UK and the global trend. This is in addition to the unfavourable economic
conditions, such as high poverty levels, rising unemployment, and weak economies in many
African countries, as well as internal issues like security concerns. Moreover, the study contends
that the significant increase in emigration from Africa has multifaceted consequences for the entire
continent, which are influenced by both internal and external factors such as the EndSars protests
in October 2021. These consequences are particularly evident in the severe economic effects
resulting from the substantial outflow of both human resources and capital from Nigeria.
7
prospects," Sardak et al (2021) analysed the global and regional challenges associated with
international youth migration. Their findings emphasised the crucial contribution of young people
to a nation's economic progress. They analysed global patterns of international youth migration
and concluded that the key factor for such a phenomenon lies in the high level of attractiveness for
migration. However, they also noted that this trend has negative consequences, particularly in
Hall (2022) regarded international migration as a chance for young individuals to enhance
their lives and those of their families through the pursuit of educational goals, employment
opportunities, or personal growth. The study identified several factors contributing to the
widespread occurrence of this phenomenon in low- and middle-income economies. These factors
gender inequality, social exclusion, and growing concerns about climate change. The study
Belmonte et al 2020 conducted a study on youth and migration globally and highlighted
the knowledge gap that could hinder the recognised potential in young migration. The report
highlighted the capacity of individuals aged 15-29 to significantly transform economies, politics,
and social dynamics globally. It also noted that Africa possesses the youngest population and the
most rapidly expanding youth population among all continents. Nevertheless, the report's claim
that "migration for Africa's youth is more of an exception than a norm" (page 2) may no longer be
valid, given the significant change in the pattern of youth migration from many African countries.
8
has a significant role in driving youth migration in Nigeria. In 2020, the youth unemployment rate
in Nigeria was recorded at 42.5%, while the underemployment rate stood at 22.8% (National
Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, 2022 in Inegbedion, 2022). The study concluded that these
difficulties, together with political issues including inadequate governance and corruption,
contributed to the decision of many young people to leave the country, and recommended an
overhaul of the political system in Nigeria to ensure inclusion, participation, adherence to the rule
of law, respect for establishment human rights, and of constitutional empowerment of state
institutions.
In their study, Suciu and Florea (2017) identified smart and creative cities as the primary
drivers of increased young migration. It has been noted that these elements are drawing in a
growing number of young individuals who are predominantly gifted, highly talented, and possess
a high level of skills, with a wide range of competences. The study referenced Eurostat's 2016
research on migration, which emphasised the combined effect of various interconnected factors
such as economic, political, social, and environmental factors that influence population movement
from one location to another. The study also proposed a series of recommendations aimed at
establishing a suitable framework to attract talented, skilled, and innovative young individuals.
A number of researchers, such as Raeder (2019), Okolie and Udom (2019), Brown et al
(2019), Nurzaman et al (2020), Koster and Benda (2020), Nurzaman et al (2020), Kwonga et al
(2021), Aslam et al (2021), and Alqudah et al (2022), have conducted research on various aspects
HRM practices and their commitment to change. The study sampled 221 employees from a public
organisation that had recently undergone an organisational change. Meanwhile, Okolie and Udom
(2019) defined HRM as the formal structure within an organisation that is accountable for all
decisions, strategies, factors, principles, operations, practices, functions, activities, and methods
related to the management of people while Kwonga et al (2021) examined the ramifications of
existing uncertainties on HRM practices in a study that asserted that the world has become
In the same way, Aslam et al. (2021) contend that the dynamic nature of the organisational
environment necessitates that businesses adapt to change and strive to maximise profits (Robbins
2005 cited in Aslam et al 2021). The scholars delineated organisational challenges that have the
progress, innovations, economic and political instability, and ethical and ecological concerns. The
Koster and Benda (2020) acknowledged the necessity of innovation in order for companies
to align with the influences of external forces that affect HRM. Although the definition of creative
HRM was not explicitly stated, the research found that innovative HRM is a reliable indication of
other HRM measures. Innovative HRM, as defined by the study, involves the implementation of
novel concepts or actions in various forms such as systems, policies, programmes, devices,
termination, internal staff mobility through job exchanges and transfers, and workforce
The research carried out by Alqudah et al (2022) revealed a direct correlation between
demonstrated a direct and favourable relationship between affective commitment and readiness
for change. Additionally, it was observed that readiness for change had a favourable correlation
Moreover, the results indicate that a hierarchical culture enhances the relationship between
high-performance human resource management practices and affective commitment. This means
that implementing certain practices such as effective communication, clear job descriptions,
comprehensive training, and employee participation can increase employees' emotional attachment
and willingness to embrace change. These findings provide managers with valuable insights on
Brown et al. (2019) identified three tiers of modern strategic people management in their
investigation: the environment, the constituents, and the competencies of people management. In
order to increase strategic impact, the study emphasised the importance of culturally sensitive and
customised staff training, engagement, coaching, and development as opposed to coaching and
et al. (2020) identified the potential strategic significance of human resource management and
The study of Nigerian Youth Migration and Human Resource Management Adaptations is
guided by the theoretical framework of the Push and Pull Theory of migration and the Human
Capital Theory.
The Push and Pull Theory, proposed by Everett Spurgeon Lee in his 1966 article "A Theory
of Migration," posits that migration and immigration occur because individuals seek to enhance
their living conditions through the process of migration (Pan, 2019). Lee categorised the elements
related to the decision to move and the migration process into four distinct groups: factors linked
to the place of origin, factors linked to the destination, intervening impediments, and personal
Lee states that every location has a distinct combination of favourable and unfavourable
aspects. Positive factors refer to circumstances that either retain individuals within a certain area
or attract people from other areas, while negative factors tend to discourage people from staying
or moving to a particular place (Lee, 1975:191 in Faridi, 2018). The perceived disparity between
the areas of origin and destination is associated with an individual's stage in life (Faridi, 2018).
According to the Push and Pull Theory, individuals are inclined to migrate or travel as a
result of "push" factors and "pull" factors. "Push" factors refer to unfavourable conditions or
circumstances in the current location that incentivize individuals to depart, while "pull" factors
denote favourable conditions or opportunities in a new location that entice them to come. The
interplay of these variables impacts the way in which an individual arrives at a conclusion
migration and travel, as well as neglecting other crucial factors such as social networks, cultural
influences, and personal aspirations, the Push and Pull Theory offers a framework for
12
comprehending the driving forces behind the movement of individuals from one place to another.
The Human Capital Theory, which was formulated by esteemed scientists including Gary
S. Becker, Theodore Schultz, and Jacob Mincer, posits that the worth of resources utilised in the
production of products and services is commensurate with the capacity of individuals to acquire
knowledge (Lucas 1988, 1990 in Nafukho et al., 2004). The theory posits a justification for the
positive correlation observed between income and various other factors, including education,
training, age, work experiences, and health, while also recognising the heterogeneity of human
Human Capital Theory advocates for enhancing productivity and efficiency by placing
more emphasis on education and training and holds the belief that a workforce that is adequately
correlation between education, skills, and economic results, and providing insights about their
relationship. However, the theory is criticized for not considering broader structural factors like
discrimination, unequal access to opportunities, and socio-economic disparities that can hinder
investments in human capital, and “thinking that it is the only game in town” (Strober, 1990, Page
216).
The integration of the Push and Pull Theory with Human Capital Theory in the examination
of Nigerian youth migration and Human Resource Management (HRM) Adaptations provides a
comprehensive framework for comprehending the migratory patterns of Nigerian youth and the
consequences for HRM strategies. The framework assists in identifying the factors that contribute
to Nigerian youth migration and enhances the comprehension of HRM practitioners regarding the
13
specific skill sets and capabilities required to adjust their recruitment, retention, and talent
gender representation, of male and female at 48.1% and 51.9%, respectively. The distribution was
spread among students (36.5%), employed (46.2%), self-employed (11.5%), unemployed (5.8%)
within the age classification of under 18 (15.4%), 18-24 (23.1%), 25-34 (42.3%), 35-44 (9.6%),
45 and above (9.6%) to facilitate diversity and inclusiveness. However, the findings revealed that
most of the respondents fall within 18-34 years of age (65,4%) with the majority being employed
Others 0 100.0%
Others 0 98.1%
Contrary to the assertion that “migration for Africa’s youth is more of an exception than
norm” (Belmonte et al, 2022, page 2), the study revealed that the phenomenon of youth migration
is now prevalent as the factors that drive the syndrome remain pertinent. A significant proportion
of the respondents (90.4%) admitted that migration remains an option for them and their primary
consideration for that decision remains socio-economic and political as identified by erstwhile
scholars like Irine (2023), Inegbedion (2022), Nwoke (2019), amongst others.
15
The survey revealed that better job opportunity (63.3%) was topmost of the reasons why
respondents considered emigration as an option. They perceived that opportunities are limited in
“Today, young people can’t afford to do what their parents did at our age, even while at
the same kind of jobs. It feels hopeless. People don't see a future for themselves or their
This was followed by higher education prospects (61.2%), followed by economic reasons (36.7%)
factor. Young Nigerians often migrate to pursue educational opportunities that can lead to
better job prospects in the future. Also, issues like corruption, inadequate infrastructure,
and limited social services in Nigeria can prompt young people to seek countries with
This suggests that prospects for a better job, higher education and better condition of living remains
the major factors pulling Nigerian youths outside the shores of the country, beside opportunity for
Data generated reflected that high unemployment rate was major among the socio-
economic reasons driving youth migration in Nigeria, tolling 82.7%. Limited job opportunities and
low wages (also features of employment) accounted for 76.9% and 73.1%, respectively, and
national security issues took a paltry 1.9%, making unemployment, and factors related to it, main
factors pushing young Nigeria abroad, besides other issues like corruption, infrastructural deficit,
“These points are major factors affecting lots of Nigerian youth because the present status
of Nigeria is not giving everyone a level playground and no fairness within the Nigerian
system. Every opportunity is a means of devouring and exploiting youths before giving a
66.7 per cent of the respondents considered the impact of youth migration on the Nigeria
labour market and HRM practices to be negative, a paltry 5.9% of the observations were not sure
what the impact was while the others were equally divided on the side of ‘Positive impact’ and
‘No significant impact’. This shows that the effect of the ‘japa’ syndrome is significant especially
with the outflux of those in the health care and STEM sectors.
18
Figure 4: Migration and Implications for HRM (Source: Field Survey, 2024)
Skill gap, brain drain, talent retention and recruitment challenges were identified as major
issues that human resource managers would have to grapple with, in the face of incessant youth
A high number of the respondents totaling 81.3% of the observations generated have not
observed any major adaptations in the strategies of the HRM within organisations in response to
youth migration while a few (18.7%) identified some innovative actions targeted at managing the
situation:
“Companies are building talent programs to get people early in their career before they
decide to migrate. Many companies are offering flexible work arrangements, such as
remote work options, flexible hours, to accommodate the needs of employees who may be
organizations are embracing remote work, allowing them to tap into talent regardless of
geographic location.”
However, less than 10% of this group considered the adaptations effective. They reflected
that youth migration remains endemic in Nigeria as the factors driving the syndrome are not
adequately addressed:
20
“If the government runs the country well, people will stay. Provide basic social amenities,
improved educational system, more job opportunities, eradicate corruption in the system,
implement policies that stimulate job creation and economic growth, particularly in sectors
with high youth potential such as technology and agriculture, invest in higher education
and vocational training facilities to ensure that they are on par with international
standards.”
The investigation of Nigerian youth migration and HRM adaptations has shown the drivers,
patterns and consequences of youth migration in Nigeria. The study reveals the complexity and
dynamism of youth migration and the profound implications for HRM practices. The diverse
factors driving the syndrome were categorized into two: Push factors and Pull factors, while
The underlying factors driving youth migration in Nigeria continue to be relevant, and it is
worrisome to observe that despite the changes in technique that appeared to lower unemployment
21
rates in Q4 2022 (Ejechi, 2023), the data for unemployment are still rising. In Q3 2023, the
unemployment rate increased to 5% while youth unemployment rate rose to 8.6%, compared to
4.2% and 7.2% in Q2, 2023 (NBS, 2024), combined with the impact of security concerns and other
concurred that government engagement is necessary to effectively handle the issue of youth
The findings suggest that the government should take a more proactive approach in
addressing various political, socio-political, and environmental issues that are triggering the
e) inflation-adjusted increment,
g) talent programs,
h) facilitating a positive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes
employee engagement,
i) creating a structure that can leverage on the skills, experiences, talents and
j) HRM practices that enables mentorship programs, skills assessments, language and
cultural training.
k) networking opportunities, and policy frameworks that recognize and support the
contributions of migrants
In conclusion, Nigerian youth migration with the attendant brain drain has profound
implications for human resource management. Moreover, the depletion of essential capital and
is necessary to improve HRM processes in order to support the evaluation of talents, the creation
of networking possibilities, and the establishment of policy frameworks that might promote a
References
Africa Capacity Building Foundation ACBF (2017) Youth unemployment in Africa: Capacity
https://elibrary.acbfpact.org/acbf/collect/acbf/index/assoc/HASH5ae9/5f7d70c0/7aeee847
/2d.dir/Occasional%20Paper%2030%20En.pdf
resource management practices and readiness for change: An integrative model including
Aslam, A.D., Aslam, M., Ali, N., Habib, B. (2021) Importance of Human Resource Management
https://mau.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1795435/FULLTEXT02.pdf
Belmonte, M., Conte, A., Ghio, D., Kalantaryan, S., McMahon, S. (2020) Youth and migration:
an overview, EUR 30435 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg,
Brown, D., Hirsh, W., Reilly, P. (2019) Strategic Human Resource Management in Practice: Case
https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/system/files/resources/files/Strategic-Human-
Resource-Management-in-Practice.pdf
24
Dumont, J. (2014) Is migration good for the economy? Migration Policy Debates OECD May 2014
https://www.oecd.org/migration/OECD%20Migration%20Policy%20Debates%20Numer
o%202.pdf
Dragan, I.M., Isaic-Maniu, A. (2013) Snowball Sampling Completion. Journal of Studies in Social
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/229607586.pdf
Ejechi, V. (2023, August 24) NBS new methodology puts Nigeria’s unemployment rate at 4.1%
dropped-to-4-1-in-q1-2023-says-nbs
https://rashidfaridi.com/2018/04/05/migration-theories-lees-push-pull-theory/
Hafsa, Nur-E. (2019). Mixed Methods Research: An Overview for Beginner Researchers.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338751170_Mixed_Methods_Research_An_Ov
erview_for_Beginner_Researchers/
Hall, S. (2022) Youth, Migration and Development: A New Lens for Critical Times KNOMAD
PAPER 41 https://www.knomad.org/sites/default/files/2022-
04/KNOMAD%20Working%20Paper%2041-Youth%20Migration-March%202022.pdf
https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/policy-areas/youth-and-
migration/lang--en/index.htm
https://unescochair.yasar.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rachael_Feb2022.pdf
25
Irine, B. (2023) Emerging patterns of youth migration for higher studies: Problems and prospects
http://117.239.78.102:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/2517/1/IRINE%20BENEDICT%
20Report.pdf
and outcomes. International Journal of Innovation Science Vol. 12 No. 3, 2020 pp 287-302
Kwonga, C. Demirbaga, M., Cooke, F. L., Wood, G. (2021) Human resource management in the
Nafukho, F. M., Hairston, N., Brooks, K. (2004) Human capital theory: implications for human
https://www.academia.edu/199732/Human_capital_theory_implications_for_human_reso
urce_development
Nurzaman, AM, E., Affandi, A., Udobong, A., Sarwani, S., Hernawan, H. (2020). Implementation
of Human Resource Management in the Adaptation Period for New Habits. International
10.51629/ijeamal. v1i1.4.
Nwoke, M.B. (2019) Understanding the social impact of youth migration in contemporary
https://njpsyresearch.com/ojs3/index.php/njopr/article/download/76/74
Okolie, U. C., Udom, I.D. (2019) Challenges of HRM in a global business environment: A review
Okunade, S.K., Awosusi, O.E. The Japa syndrome and the migration of Nigerians to the United
00351-2
Pan, G. (2019). The Push-Pull Theory and Motivations of Jewish Refugees. 10.1007/978-981-13-
9483-6_9.
Raeder, S., Bokova, M.V. (2019) Committed to change? Human resource management practices
https://doi.org/10.1515/psych-2018-0022
Sardak, S.E., Shymanska, K.V., Girman, A.P., Krupskyi, O.P. (2021) International youth
Strober, M. (1990) Human Capital Theory: Implications for HR managers Industrial Relations
232X.1990.tb00752.x
Suciu, M., Florea, C, A, (2017) An Empirical Study on the Migration Among Young Skilled and
Creative People Amfiteatru Economic Journal, ISSN 2247-9104, The Bucharest University
https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/169101/1/aej-v19-i46-p727.pdf
https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/wyr/2013/report.pdf
issues/migration#:text=Data%20on%20migration,per%20cent%20of%20international%2
0migrants.
27
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs UNDESA (2016) United Nation
van Riemsdijk, M., Basford, S. Integration of Highly Skilled Migrants in the Workplace: a Multi-
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-021-00845-x
https://yiaga.org/publications/youth-candidacy-in-nigerias-2023-election/