TRADE AND MIGRATION IN NIGERIA: EXAMINING THE LINKAGE BETWEEN LABOUR MOBILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

ABSTRACT This research examined Trade and Migration in Nigeria with emphasis on the linkage between labour mobility and economic growth. The study used annual time series data for the period, 1983-2023, sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin 2023 and world development indicator. Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was used to estimate the relationship among the variables of the study. Findings revealed that in the long run remittances received (REMT), labour force participation (LFP), and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria had positive and significant impact on Real Gross Domestic Product within the study period. However, Nigeria net migration (NNM) have negative and significant effect on Real Gross Domestic Product in Nigeria within the study period. The study concluded based on the findings that net migration in Nigeria will lead to decrease in economic growth in the long run. Hence, any policy that promotes emigration will have detrimental effect on the economy in the long run. It was therefore recommended that the government should discourage emigration and brain drain by addressing push factors such as lack of job opportunities, poor economic conditions, insecurity, political instability and so on. It was also recommended that the government should foster closer ties with the diaspora community and simplify remittances processes by making it easier and cheaper for diaspora Nigerians to send money home as this will enhance economic growth likewise the government should foster inclusive labour market policies by ensuring equal opportunities for women, youth, people with disabilities and rural population and also ensure adequate investment in education and training since doing these could enhance Nigeria economic growth.