Nigeria ranked as the second-highest contributor of long-term migrants to the United Kingdom in 2024, according to official figures released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The report, covering migration trends for the year ending June 2024, shows that 120,000 Nigerians relocated to the UK, placing Nigeria behind only India, which had 240,000 migrants in the same period.
The figures highlight Nigeria’s growing presence among non-EU+ migrants, defined as individuals from outside the European Union and associated countries.
Work and Education Drive Nigerian Migration to UK
The ONS report indicates that most Nigerians moved to the UK primarily for employment and educational opportunities. They formed part of the 417,000 non-EU+ nationals who migrated for work-related reasons and the 375,000 who relocated for study purposes.
This aligns with the UK’s increasing demand for skilled labour and its continuing reputation as a top global destination for higher education. Combined, work and study accounted for over 792,000 of the total non-EU+ long-term arrivals, far outpacing asylum, family, or humanitarian-related migration.
Top 5 Non-EU+ Countries of Origin in 2024
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India – 240,000
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Nigeria – 120,000
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Pakistan – 101,000
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China – 78,000
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Zimbabwe – 36,000
Migrant Demographics Reflect Youthful Workforce
The ONS report outlines the demographic profile of non-EU+ migrants, showing that 82% were of working age (16 to 64 years), underscoring the strong labour-market motivation behind recent migration patterns. The gender distribution was nearly even, with 52% male and 48% female migrants.
Children under the age of 16 made up 17% while only 1% were 65 or older, suggesting the migration wave is dominated by economically active individuals and students.
Broader Migration Context
Beyond work and study, asylum applications from non-EU+ countries accounted for 84,000 individuals followed by 76,000 for family reasons and 67,000 under humanitarian and resettlement schemes.
The data also reflects broader immigration policy shifts in the UK, which have been designed to attract skilled workers and international students while managing humanitarian obligations and family reunification.
Implications for Nigeria
Nigeria’s second-place ranking is indicative of several socioeconomic dynamics: high domestic demand for global education, professional mobility, and the ongoing push among Nigerian youth for better career prospects abroad.
Analysts have noted that the country’s persistent brain drain poses both challenges and opportunities—while remittance inflows remain strong, the departure of skilled professionals continues to pressure critical sectors like healthcare, technology, and academia.
With migration expected to remain a key policy issue in both the UK and Nigeria, experts are calling for more strategic bilateral engagement to ensure mutual economic benefit, regulatory compliance and talent optimization.
