Nigerian Politics and Igbo Migration in the Post-Civil War Era

Abstract

Social and economic challenges have fervently triggered unprecedented migration across the globe with an attendant search for survival and fulfillment in life. In this regard, migration is an essential part of human life. There are indeed a number of factors that influence and increase the rate of migration across the globe. In Nigeria, however, the 'post war politics' is unarguably the major push factor propelling migration of the Igbo ethnic group out of Nigeria. Scholars have neglected this area of studies. This paper covered the gap and examined the nexus between politics and migration. It also analyzed how politics cum migration have been affecting development in Nigeria with the view to finding solution to the challenge. As a result of the continued falling standard of living among Nigerians, Nigerians are by the day losing faith in Nigeria. Therefore, this fact has resulted in endless migration among the youthful population. Some of these youths perish in the course of their journey in the Atlantic Ocean and Sahara desert, while some end up settling for an unfulfilled life in different foreign countries. As a result of the socio-economic challenges that characterized post war era in Nigeria, the Igbo are found all over Nigeria outside their ancestral home of Southern Nigeria. Both primary and secondary sources were employed for the research. The nature of Nigerian politics encourages massive migration of Nigerians which has it consequences on Nigeria and its people.