We Gain, They Gain: Remittances as Transnational Economic Assets Among Migrants from Nigeria's Neighbours
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2026.08.01.017Keywords:
Remittances; Migration; Livelihoods; Economic resilience; West AfricaAbstract
Nigeria is widely recognized as the largest recipient of remittances; its parallel role as a remittance-sending hub for migrants from neighboring countries remains underexplored. This study examines livelihoods, remittance composition, and patterns among migrants from Niger, Chad, and Cameroon residing in Nigeria. Using purposive snowball sampling, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 63 participants. Findings reveal diversified and gendered livelihood strategies: men largely engaged in masonry, water vending, farming, tea brewing, and baking, while women dominated restaurants, hair braiding, henna application, waxing, and selling perfumes and aphrodisiacs. Remittances were predominantly cash, complemented by secondhand clothing, foodstuffs, furniture, and gold. Cash primarily supported household upkeep, education, and healthcare. Furniture and gold were for dowries and social obligations. Despite shocks associated with fuel subsidy removal, migrants demonstrated resilience through diversification and strategic remittance timing. The findings highlight remittances’ dual role in immediate survival and long-term capital accumulation.
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The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zainab Nuhu, Dr. Maryam Liman, Halima Liman (Author)
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