Nigerian diaspora: Top countries with the biggest populations
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 3, 2026
The population of Nigerians living abroad is substantial, reaching approximately 17 million as of 2024, according to data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). This makes Nigeria the African country with the largest diaspora presence, rivaling even French-speaking nations.
Remittances from the Diaspora
Nigerians in the diaspora contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy. In 2023, total remittances amounted to $23 billion, a figure comparable to the GDP of Africa’s ten smallest countries combined: Togo, Burundi, Eswatini, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Lesotho, South Sudan, Djibouti, Central African Republic (CAR), and Gambia.
Top 10 Countries with the Largest Nigerian Population
Data from the Migration Policy Institute indicates the following countries host the largest populations of Nigerian diaspora (estimated):
| Rank | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 353,885 |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 215,000 |
| 3 | Italy | 119,400 |
| 4 | United Arab Emirates | 100,000 |
| 5 | Brazil | 90,000 |
| 6 | Germany | 83,000 |
| 7 | Canada | 70,000 |
| 8 | Spain | 70,000 |
| 9 | South Africa | 31,000 |
| 10 | France | 30,000 |
Diaspora Trends and Data Collection
According to Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Economic Governance and Knowledge Management at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Nigeria currently ranks fourth among African countries in terms of diaspora numbers. An estimated 70,000 skilled professionals leave Africa annually, with 58% of Nigeria’s diaspora residing outside the continent and 42% within Africa.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) launched a Data Mapping and Registry Portal in 2021 to improve data collection. While the commission has not released a total registration figure, approximately 17 million Nigerians are estimated to live in the diaspora. Nigerians in 28 countries have registered on the portal to date.
