Forced Migration in Sub-Saharan Africa: Demographic Determinants and Consequences in Nigeria

Abstract

Forced migration in sub-Saharan Africa has been a very serious issue of concern, with millions of people displaced due to violence, conflict and climate change. As at 2023, there were about 32.5 million people reported to have been internally displaced in Africa with 16.2 million of them being children. In the same year, about 8.9 million refugees originated from countries in Africa with large numbers of them coming from Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. This paper is aimed at examining migration trends, patterns and determinants in sub-Saharan African countries such as Nigeria. The methodology used for the study was extensive review of scholarly papers on the topic. Findings showed that most sub-Saharan African countries are yet to achieve the mobility transition due to the high rate of rural-urban migration leading to over-congestion and slums, as a result of internal migration, and brain drain, as a result of international migration. It was recommended that migration policies need to be tailored towards promoting even development and reducing urbanisation. Policies also need to be strengthened to reduce the frequency of brain drain in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria.