Patterns of international migration among rular households in Edo state, Nigeria

This article examines the pattern of international migration among rural households in Edo State, Nigeria. The empirical results are based on a quantitative and qualitative survey of 240 household heads. The findings show that some household heads sourced information with special reference to international migration. This information assisted them in guiding intending migrants from their households on how to go about leaving the country in search of a better life. The information sourced was majorly centred on visa processing and obtaining residency/work permits and job opportunities. Family and friends, the Internet and travel agencies were among various channels where household heads got information to guide their international migration decisions. Migrants from rural households left the country through legal and illegal means. A key factor in their choice of destination country was the presence of either family members or friends, while plans and arrangements for migrants’ departure from the country were largely facilitated by household heads and migrants themselves. Irrespective of the quest of many migrants to leave Nigeria, some sought greener pastures in some African countries. Libya turned out to be the first destination of most migrants from where they later migrated to other countries of choice majorly in Europe.