Publication Details
Abstract
Rural–urban migration and youth employment are deeply intertwined challenges that shape Nigeria’s demographic and economic landscape. The study examined migration and youth employment: a demographic analysis (factors) of rural–urban Migration in Nigeria. The paper employed the use of secondary data which were collected from both online and print publications. The study identified opportunities and employment prospects, educational opportunities, poor infrastructure and social services in rural areas, agricultural challenges and declining rural livelihoods, urbanization and perceived better living conditions, insecurity and conflicts in rural areas and social networks and family influence have led to rural–urban migration in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study recommends that to reduce the push factors driving migration, the Nigerian government and development partners should prioritize rural development. Investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, electricity, healthcare, schools, and clean water would improve living standards and create economic opportunities within rural areas. Given that agriculture remains the dominant occupation in rural Nigeria, transforming it into a modern, technology-driven, and profitable sector can help retain youth in rural areas. Government agencies such as the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Bank of Agriculture should expand credit facilities, mechanization programs, and agricultural training for young farmers. Encouraging agripreneurship through cooperatives, digital agriculture platforms, and value-chain development would help create sustainable jobs and make agriculture attractive to the youth. Many rural migrants lack the skills required to compete effectively in urban labour markets, leading to underemployment or engagement in low-paying informal jobs. To address this, the government should expand vocational and technical education programs targeted at rural and urban youth. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and state ministries of education should collaborate with private institutions to establish skills acquisition centres focused on trades such as construction, ICT, renewable energy, and small-scale manufacturing. This will equip the youth with employable skills, enhance productivity, and reduce migration pressures.