I need to share something with you that represents months of careful research into the Nigerian diaspora and years of fascination with how our people have spread across the globe. When people ask me what country has the most Nigerians outside our homeland, I always smile because the answer keeps shifting in surprising ways that challenge our assumptions about where Nigerians settle.

I’ve spent years tracking diaspora patterns, interviewing families preparing to migrate, and analysing data from every available source. What emerges is a complex picture that goes far beyond simple numbers.

The United Kingdom historically held the crown for the largest single Nigerian population abroad, with approximately 215,000 to 500,000 Nigerian-born individuals residing there according to various estimates from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. But here’s where it gets interesting. Those numbers represent only documented, Nigerian-born residents, not the full diaspora population including British-born children and grandchildren.

The United States tells a different story. Current estimates place the Nigerian-born population in America between 400,000 and 600,000 individuals, though when you factor in American-born descendants of Nigerian immigrants, that number potentially doubles or triples. The National Bureau of Statistics tracks these figures closely because diaspora remittances represent such a vital component of Nigeria’s economy.

But there’s a newcomer challenging both traditional leaders. Canada has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for Nigerian migrants, with immigration numbers accelerating so rapidly between 2020 and 2024 that some projections suggest Canada could surpass both the UK and USA in total Nigerian population within the next decade if current trends continue.

I remember attending a migration fair in Victoria Island, Lagos, back in 2022. The Canadian pavilion had queues stretching around the block whilst UK representatives sat with noticeably fewer visitors. That visual told me something fundamental was shifting in Nigerian migration preferences.

Understanding the UK’s Historical Dominance

The UK’s position as home to the largest Nigerian population stems from deep historical ties dating back to colonial governance. Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960, but those six decades of direct colonial rule created linguistic, educational, and administrative connections that persisted long after independence.

London hosts the overwhelming majority of UK-based Nigerians. Peckham in South London is often called “Little Lagos” because of its concentrated Nigerian community, with Guardian Nigeria reporting that Peckham has the most concentrated Nigerian community outside Nigeria itself. Woolwich, Tottenham, Hackney, and other East London areas follow closely behind.

The concentration makes sense when you understand migration patterns. The first Nigerian arrives, establishes themselves, then helps relatives navigate the same journey. One family becomes five families. Five families become a community complete with Nigerian churches, hair salons serving as social centres, restaurants cooking correct jollof rice, and networks providing everything from job connections to childcare assistance.

Beyond London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, and Liverpool host significant Nigerian communities. These cities offer lower living costs compared to London whilst still providing employment opportunities and established diaspora networks that help newcomers settle.

Immigration data from the UK Office for National Statistics shows fascinating trends. Between June 2022 and June 2023, 141,000 Nigerians migrated to the UK, making Nigeria the second-largest source of UK immigration after India. However, that growth rate has slowed compared to Canadian immigration patterns, suggesting a shift in preferences.

By the year ending December 2024, 52,000 Nigerians immigrated to the UK, with 27,000 arriving on work-related visas, 22,000 to study, and 3,000 under other immigration categories. The decline from previous years reflects both tightening UK immigration policies and Nigerians’ growing interest in alternative destinations.

I’ve interviewed dozens of families navigating this transition. The pattern repeats: parents research UK universities for their children, calculate the costs, then discover Canada’s more accessible immigration pathways and begin reconsidering their assumptions about where to build their future.

The American Factor

The United States presents a complicated picture. Official estimates place the Nigerian-born population between 400,000 and 600,000, but these figures significantly undercount the full Nigerian presence in America when you include American-born children of Nigerian immigrants.

Texas houses the largest Nigerian-born population in any American state, with approximately 70,000 to 90,000 Nigerian immigrants according to US Census Bureau analysis. Maryland follows closely with 65,000 to 75,000, whilst New York, California, and Georgia each host 40,000 to 60,000 Nigerian-born residents.

Houston’s massive energy sector naturally attracts Nigerian petroleum engineers and geoscientists. The presence of one Nigerian family draws relatives, friends from the same village, eventually creating mini-communities. Houston now has Nigerian churches, restaurants, cultural organisations, and business networks so extensive that newcomers can find almost everything they need without leaving Nigerian circles.

The same pattern repeats in Maryland, particularly around Washington DC and its suburbs. Federal government employment, international organisations, and professional services attract educated Nigerians. New York offers financial services and diverse opportunities. California’s tech sector draws engineers and entrepreneurs.

But here’s what makes America’s position complicated. American permanent residence (Green Card) is notoriously difficult for Nigerians to obtain. The most accessible pathway is the Diversity Visa Lottery Programme, which has extremely low odds of success, approximately 1 in 100 applicants. Other pathways include family sponsorship by US citizen relatives, employment-based immigration requiring exceptional skills or substantial investment (typically $800,000 to $1,050,000 for EB-5 investor visas), or asylum for those facing persecution.

These barriers mean American immigration grows more slowly than Canadian or even UK immigration despite America’s appeal. I’ve watched brilliant Nigerian professionals with job offers from American companies struggle for years to obtain work visas, eventually giving up and redirecting their talents to Canada or the UK where pathways prove more navigable.

The irony is that Nigerians who do make it to America tend to thrive exceptionally. Nigerian Americans achieve higher median incomes and education levels than the general US population, particularly excelling in medicine, engineering, technology, and academia. Yet the system makes it unnecessarily difficult for more Nigerians to contribute.

Canada’s Meteoric Rise

Here’s where the story gets really interesting. Canada has emerged as the most popular destination for prospective Nigerian migrants, surpassing both the UK and USA in recent preference surveys and immigration numbers.

A 2020 study by Africa Polling Institute found Canada was the most popular destination for Nigerian migrants, followed by the US and UK. That preference has only intensified. Between 2020 and 2023, Nigerian immigration to Canada accelerated dramatically as Nigerians tired of navigating increasingly restrictive UK visa systems and nearly impossible American immigration pathways.

Canada’s appeal stems from transparent, achievable immigration criteria. The Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, and relatively straightforward pathways to permanent residence appeal to Nigerians who want clarity about their prospects. Where UK and American systems feel like gambling, Canada’s system feels like planning.

Ontario hosts the largest Nigerian population in Canada, particularly in Toronto and its surrounding cities. Alberta follows, with Calgary and Edmonton attracting Nigerian professionals in energy, engineering, and healthcare. British Columbia, Manitoba, and other provinces have smaller but growing Nigerian communities.

The shift happened fast. In 2019, few Nigerians considered Canada seriously. By 2023, Canada dominated migration conversations. I’ve watched this transformation firsthand whilst covering migration trends for Guardian Nigeria.

What drives the change? Several factors converge. Canada actively recruits skilled immigrants to address labour shortages. Processing times for Canadian immigration applications generally run faster than UK or American equivalents. Canada’s multicultural policies and established anti-discrimination frameworks appeal to Nigerians concerned about racism and social acceptance. The pathway to citizenship is clearer and faster than in most countries.

Cost matters too. Whilst Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, they’re often comparable to London whilst offering better employment prospects and quality of life for the money spent. A family can plan for Canadian immigration with ₦12 million to ₦20 million in savings, knowing relatively clearly what to expect. American or UK migration requires similar or greater financial investment with far less certainty about outcomes.

I remember interviewing a Lagos-based engineer who spent three years trying to secure American work authorization, ultimately abandoning that dream and moving his family to Calgary within eight months of starting the Canadian immigration process. His story is increasingly typical.

Seven Steps to Understanding Nigerian Diaspora Distribution

For anyone researching where Nigerians settle globally, here’s a practical framework I’ve developed through years of analysis:

1. Start with official diaspora commission data: The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission estimates approximately 17 million Nigerians live abroad, with the largest populations in the UK, USA, Canada, Dubai, and South Africa. These figures provide the baseline for understanding global distribution patterns.
2. Distinguish between documented and total populations: Official statistics typically count only Nigerian-born individuals holding foreign residence, missing second and third-generation diaspora members who maintain Nigerian identity and connections. The true diaspora population in any country substantially exceeds official figures.
3. Examine remittance flows for economic impact: Follow the money. Nigeria received over $25 billion in remittances in 2024 according to National Population Commission data, making it Africa’s largest remittance recipient. Remittance patterns reveal which diaspora communities are most established and economically active.
4. Track recent immigration trends rather than historical totals: Yesterday’s patterns don’t predict tomorrow’s distribution. Canada now attracts more new Nigerian immigrants annually than the UK or USA despite having smaller historical Nigerian populations, suggesting future shifts in global distribution.
5. Consider secondary migration patterns: Many Nigerians don’t stay in their first destination country. Some arrive in the UK for education, then relocate to Canada for better economic opportunities, or move from Dubai to the USA for family reunification. These movements complicate simple population counts.
6. Analyse demographic composition: Some destinations attract primarily students, others skilled workers, still others entrepreneurs or family units. Understanding who migrates where reveals why certain countries dominate specific sectors or industries within the diaspora.
7. Watch policy changes that shift migration flows: UK visa restrictions implemented in 2023 and 2024 redirected thousands of prospective Nigerian students and workers toward Canada and other destinations. American diversity visa lottery changes similarly impact flows. Policy shifts can alter diaspora distribution patterns within months.

Following these steps provides a nuanced understanding that simple population counts miss. The question “what country has the most Nigerians” requires examining documented populations, total diaspora communities including descendants, recent immigration trends, and future projections simultaneously.

Nigerian Diaspora Population Comparison by Destination

Looking at the data comprehensively reveals surprising patterns:

The table reveals several insights. The UK maintains the largest single documented Nigerian-born population despite recent declines. The USA potentially has the largest total diaspora when including American-born descendants. Canada shows the most dramatic growth trajectory despite starting from a smaller base. The UAE offers an interesting alternative for business-focused Nigerians, whilst intra-African migration to Ghana and South Africa represents important patterns often overlooked in discussions focusing only on Western destinations.

These figures come from cross-referencing data from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, destination country census bureaus, immigration statistics, and academic research on diaspora populations. Exact numbers remain somewhat imprecise because of methodological challenges in counting diaspora populations, but the patterns and proportions are clear.

Are There More Nigerians in the UK or the US?

This question generates surprising debate because the answer depends on how you count.

If you count only documented, Nigerian-born individuals currently residing in each country, the United States likely edges ahead with 400,000 to 600,000 compared to the UK’s 215,000 to 500,000. The ranges overlap significantly, making definitive statements impossible, but most recent estimates favour American totals.

However, if you count the full diaspora population including British-born and American-born children and grandchildren of Nigerian immigrants, the calculation changes. The UK’s longer history of Nigerian immigration (dating to the 1950s and 1960s versus America’s more recent waves beginning in the 1980s and 1990s) means multiple generations of British Nigerians exist, potentially bringing the UK’s total diaspora to 800,000 to 1,500,000 compared to America’s 1,000,000 to 2,000,000.

The American advantage in total diaspora stems from chain migration patterns. Once Nigerians obtain American citizenship or permanent residence, they can sponsor relatives, creating family migration chains that compound over time. This has been particularly effective in building Texas and Maryland’s large Nigerian populations.

The UK’s recent immigration restrictions complicate projections. Guardian Nigeria reported that Nigerian immigration to the UK dropped significantly in 2024, with new policies banning family members from accompanying foreign students for non-research postgraduate courses. These restrictions may shift the balance toward America over time, or more likely toward Canada which now attracts Nigerians who might previously have chosen the UK.

I find it more useful to think about these populations in terms of influence and integration rather than raw numbers. London’s Nigerian community, concentrated in specific neighbourhoods, wields cultural and economic influence that feels larger than its population might suggest. Similarly, Houston’s Nigerian community has reached critical mass for self-sustaining institutions and networks. The question isn’t just “how many” but “how established and influential.”

Which City Has the Largest Nigerian Population Outside Nigeria?

Peckham in South London holds this distinction. Guardian Nigeria described it as having “the most concentrated Nigerian community outside Nigeria itself” in their coverage of diaspora patterns.

Peckham isn’t just a place where many Nigerians happen to live. It’s a fully functional Nigerian enclave transplanted to South London, complete with Nigerian churches holding services in Yoruba and Igbo, markets selling egusi and ogbono, restaurants serving proper pounded yam and afang soup, hair salons specialising in African hair, money transfer shops facilitating remittances, and social networks providing everything from job connections to childcare.

When Nigerians arrive in London, many gravitate to Peckham because existing networks make settlement easier. The area offers affordable housing compared to central London, proximity to transport links for commuting to jobs across the city, and the psychological comfort of being among people who understand your background, speak your languages, and share your cultural references.

I’ve visited Peckham several times whilst researching diaspora communities. Walking through Rye Lane feels remarkably like being in a Lagos neighbourhood, just with British accents mixed in with Nigerian ones and pound sterling instead of Naira changing hands. The cultural transplant is nearly complete.

Houston, Texas runs a close second globally for concentrated Nigerian population in a single city. The energy sector attracts Nigerian petroleum engineers and geoscientists in such numbers that Houston’s Nigerian community has developed its own distinct character, complete with Nigerian churches, cultural associations, business networks, and social institutions rivalling Peckham’s.

Other significant concentrations exist in specific cities. Atlanta hosts a large Nigerian community focused on business and entertainment. New York’s Nigerian population spreads across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Washington DC and its Maryland suburbs house substantial Nigerian communities drawn by federal government and international organisation employment. Toronto’s Nigerian population has grown explosively in recent years as Canadian immigration accelerates.

But Peckham remains unique in its concentrated, self-contained Nigerian ecosystem. It represents the most complete recreation of Nigerian community life in a foreign setting anywhere globally.

Which State Has the Most Nigerians?

Texas dominates American Nigerian population statistics with approximately 70,000 to 90,000 Nigerian-born residents according to US Census Bureau analysis. Houston drives these numbers, hosting such a large Nigerian community that it’s often called the Nigerian capital of America.

The energy connection explains much of Texas’s dominance. Nigeria’s petroleum industry trains thousands of engineers and geoscientists who then seek opportunities in global energy centres. Houston, as the energy capital of the United States, naturally attracts these professionals. One Nigerian petroleum engineer arrives, succeeds, then recommends the opportunity to colleagues back home or helps relatives navigate the immigration process.

Maryland ranks second with 65,000 to 75,000 Nigerian-born residents, concentrated primarily in Washington DC’s suburbs including Silver Spring, Bowie, Largo, and Columbia. Federal government employment, international organisations like the World Bank and IMF, and professional services attract educated Nigerians to the region.

New York follows with 40,000 to 60,000 Nigerian immigrants spread across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The state’s diverse economy, financial services sector, and established immigrant communities appeal to Nigerians seeking opportunities beyond the energy or government sectors dominating Texas and Maryland.

California houses 40,000 to 60,000 Nigerian-born residents, primarily in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Technology sector opportunities in Silicon Valley attract Nigerian engineers and entrepreneurs, whilst the state’s general economic diversity and established Nigerian communities provide settlement support.

Georgia rounds out the top five with approximately 35,000 to 55,000 Nigerian immigrants, concentrated primarily in Atlanta and its suburbs. Atlanta’s Black American cultural prominence, business opportunities, lower cost of living compared to coastal cities, and growing Nigerian community make it increasingly attractive to Nigerian professionals.

The geographic concentration matters because it creates self-sustaining Nigerian communities. In Texas, Maryland, and New York, Nigerians can find Nigerian churches, cultural associations, professional networks, and social support systems that ease integration whilst maintaining cultural connections. These established communities then attract further migration, reinforcing the concentration patterns.

I’ve interviewed Nigerian families in each of these states whilst researching migration patterns. The consistent theme is that initial destination choices often stem from job opportunities or family connections, but the presence of established Nigerian communities heavily influences satisfaction and long-term settlement decisions.

What Rank is Nigeria in Africa?

Nigeria ranks first in Africa by population, with over 220 million people making it not just Africa’s most populous nation but one of the most populous countries globally, typically ranked between sixth and eighth worldwide depending on methodology.

This massive population base partly explains Nigerian diaspora size. When you start with 220 million people, even small emigration rates produce large absolute numbers of migrants. If just 7 to 8 per cent of Nigerians live abroad (the rough proportion suggested by 17 million diaspora from 220 million total population), that percentage still represents more people than the entire populations of many smaller African nations.

Nigeria also ranks first in Africa by nominal GDP, with an economy worth approximately $500 billion. This economic size creates interesting diaspora dynamics. Nigeria produces enough educated professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers to sustain substantial emigration whilst still maintaining functional domestic sectors. Smaller African nations often lose their entire professional classes to emigration, whilst Nigeria, despite significant brain drain concerns, continues generating skilled workers both for domestic needs and international migration.

In terms of diaspora size specifically, Nigeria likely ranks first or second in Africa depending on how you count. Ethiopia may have slightly larger diaspora population estimates (250,000 to 300,000 Ethiopian-born residents in America alone, for instance), but when you account for total global dispersion and remittance flows, Nigeria clearly dominates.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission reports that Nigerian diaspora remittances exceeded $25 billion annually, making Nigeria the largest recipient of remittances in Africa by substantial margins. No other African nation receives remotely comparable diaspora financial flows, suggesting Nigeria’s global diaspora represents both the largest population and the most economically significant diaspora on the continent.

Nigeria’s diaspora also ranks first in Africa for educational attainment and professional achievement. Research consistently shows Nigerians in Western countries achieve higher median incomes and education levels than other African immigrant groups and often exceed the native-born populations of their destination countries. This success reflects both Nigeria’s relatively strong educational systems and the selective nature of Nigerian emigration, which tends to draw from educated, skilled populations.

The diaspora’s success creates a feedback loop. Successful Nigerians abroad inspire others to migrate, provide resources and networks to help family members follow, and contribute remittances that fund further emigration. This pattern has sustained Nigerian diaspora growth even as migration has become more difficult in traditional destinations.

Connecting Nigerian Diaspora Patterns to Broader Migration Trends

Understanding where Nigerians settle globally connects to larger questions about how Nigerians make a living and why they seek opportunities abroad. The domestic economic challenges that drive emigration include limited formal sector employment, stagnant wages that fail to keep pace with inflation, and professional sectors that cannot absorb all qualified graduates, pushing many skilled Nigerians to look internationally for opportunities matching their education and ambitions.

Similarly, diaspora settlement patterns reflect what Nigerians are known for globally, particularly educational achievement, entrepreneurial spirit, and professional excellence in fields like medicine, engineering, and technology. These characteristics shape which countries attract Nigerian immigrants and how successfully Nigerians integrate into destination societies, with communities choosing locations offering the best combination of opportunity, acceptance, and quality of life for their families.

Reflecting on What These Patterns Mean for Nigeria’s Future

The distribution of Nigerians globally tells a story about aspiration, opportunity, and the persistent gap between Nigeria’s potential and its current reality. That 17 million Nigerians live abroad, many of them among the country’s best educated and most skilled citizens, represents both loss and connection.

The brain drain concerns are real. When engineers trained at Nigerian universities work in Houston instead of Lagos, when doctors educated at Nigerian medical schools practice in London instead of Nigerian hospitals, when technology entrepreneurs build companies in Toronto instead of Nigerian tech hubs, Nigeria loses not just their current contributions but their potential to train the next generation and build institutions domestically.

Yet the diaspora also represents strength. Those $25 billion in annual remittances support millions of Nigerian families, fund small businesses, pay school fees, and keep the economy functioning during difficult periods. Diaspora Nigerians often maintain strong ties to home, investing in businesses, supporting communities, and advocating for Nigeria internationally in ways that benefit the nation.

The key question for Nigeria’s future is whether the country can reverse the trends driving emigration, creating opportunities compelling enough that talented Nigerians choose to build their futures at home rather than abroad. Until that happens, we’ll continue seeing our brightest and most ambitious citizens seeking opportunities in London, Houston, Toronto, and cities across the globe.

But make no mistake. Whether they live in Peckham, Houston, or Toronto, these diaspora Nigerians remain fundamentally Nigerian in identity, culture, and connection. They carry Nigeria with them wherever they go.

Key Takeaways

• The United Kingdom hosts approximately 215,000 to 500,000 Nigerian-born residents, historically the largest single concentration, though the United States may now edge ahead with 400,000 to 600,000.
• Canada has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for Nigerian migrants, with immigration numbers accelerating dramatically since 2020 due to more accessible immigration pathways compared to the UK and USA.
• Approximately 17 million Nigerians live abroad globally according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, remitting over $25 billion annually and making Nigeria Africa’s largest remittance recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nigerian Diaspora Distribution

What country has the most Nigerians outside Nigeria?

The United Kingdom historically hosted the largest single Nigerian population abroad with approximately 215,000 to 500,000 Nigerian-born residents, though the United States may now have slightly more with 400,000 to 600,000. When including British-born and American-born descendants of Nigerian immigrants, both countries potentially host total diaspora populations exceeding one million, making definitive ranking impossible without clearer demographic data.

Are there more Nigerians in the UK or the US?

Current estimates suggest the United States has slightly more Nigerian-born residents (400,000 to 600,000) compared to the UK (215,000 to 500,000), though the ranges overlap significantly. When counting total diaspora populations including descendants, the UK’s longer immigration history means it may have more total diaspora members across multiple generations, making the comparison dependent on counting methodology rather than clear-cut.

Which city has the largest Nigerian population outside Nigeria?

Peckham in South London holds this distinction, hosting the most concentrated Nigerian community globally outside Nigeria itself with fully developed Nigerian institutions including churches, markets, restaurants, and social networks. Houston, Texas runs a close second, with its energy sector attracting such large numbers of Nigerian petroleum engineers and geoscientists that it’s often called the Nigerian capital of America.

Which state has the most Nigerians in America?

Texas houses the largest Nigerian-born population in any American state with approximately 70,000 to 90,000 residents, driven primarily by Houston’s energy sector employment opportunities. Maryland follows closely with 65,000 to 75,000, concentrated in Washington DC suburbs, whilst New York, California, and Georgia each host 40,000 to 60,000 Nigerian immigrants.

What rank is Nigeria in Africa by population?

Nigeria ranks first in Africa by population with over 220 million people, making it not only Africa’s most populous nation but also one of the most populous countries globally, typically ranked sixth to eighth worldwide. This massive population base partly explains why Nigeria has Africa’s largest diaspora, with approximately 17 million Nigerians living abroad representing roughly 7 to 8 per cent of the total population.

How many Nigerians live abroad in total?

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission estimates approximately 17 million Nigerians live abroad globally as of recent data, making Nigeria’s diaspora one of the largest from any African nation. This population is spread across every continent, with major concentrations in the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, South Africa, and other countries offering educational and economic opportunities.

Why is Canada becoming more popular than the UK for Nigerian immigrants?

Canada’s Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs offer transparent, achievable immigration pathways with clear criteria for permanent residence, contrasting with the UK’s increasingly restrictive visa system and uncertain outcomes. Additionally, Canada actively recruits skilled immigrants to address labour shortages, processes applications relatively quickly, and offers multicultural policies appealing to Nigerians concerned about discrimination and social acceptance.

Which African country has the largest diaspora globally?

Nigeria and Ethiopia compete for this distinction depending on counting methodology, with Nigeria likely having the larger total diaspora when accounting for global distribution across all continents. Ethiopia may have more immigrants in specific countries like the United States (250,000 to 300,000 Ethiopian-born residents), but Nigeria’s diaspora spans more countries globally and generates substantially larger remittance flows exceeding $25 billion annually compared to other African nations.

How does Nigerian diaspora size compare to Nigeria’s total population?

Approximately 17 million Nigerians live abroad compared to 220 million residing in Nigeria, meaning roughly 7 to 8 per cent of all Nigerians live outside the country. This percentage is significant but not extreme compared to some smaller nations where emigration represents 20 to 30 per cent or more of total population, though Nigeria’s absolute diaspora numbers are among the world’s largest.

What percentage of UK Nigerians live in London?

The overwhelming majority of UK-based Nigerians live in London, with estimates suggesting 60 to 75 per cent concentration in the capital city and its surrounding areas. Peckham, Woolwich, Tottenham, Hackney, and other London neighbourhoods host the densest Nigerian populations, whilst Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, and Liverpool account for most of the remainder outside London.

Do Nigerians migrate more to Europe or North America?

Current data suggests roughly balanced migration between Europe and North America, with the UK representing Europe’s largest Nigerian population whilst the USA and Canada together host comparable numbers in North America. However, trends are shifting with Canadian immigration accelerating whilst UK immigration declines, potentially tipping the balance toward North America in coming years if patterns continue.

How much do Nigerians abroad send home in remittances?

Nigerian diaspora members remitted over $25 billion to Nigeria in 2024 according to Nigerians in Diaspora Commission data, making Nigeria the largest recipient of remittances in Africa. These remittances represent approximately 5 to 6 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and exceed the country’s oil revenues, supporting millions of families whilst driving substantial portions of Nigeria’s economy through consumption, small business investment, and educational funding.