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.
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.
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 |
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.
From 8 to 12 September 2025, in Sremska Kamenica (Serbia), the OSCE Transnational Threats Department/Strategic…
Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — An Ethiopian delegation is participating in the Ministerial…
On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case Hencely v. Fluor Corp.…
The National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee has been directed to investigate the operations…
President William Ruto with his deputy Kithure Kindiki and first lady Rachel Ruto during the…
Health CS Aden Duale A press briefing dubbed ‘ask your government anything on healthcare’…