Survey and research on the impact of covid-19 on internal migration, labour markets, and urbanization - Nigeria Quantitative Results Report - December 2023

Jul 19, 2026

Survey and research report detailing the quantitative and qualitative findings from Nigeria on the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on internal migration, labour markets, and urbanization. The study covers two states—the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos state—using semi-structured qualitative methods (FGDs and key informant interviews) and sampling-based quantitative fieldwork during 2020–2021. It documents changes in migration patterns and city life during and after the pandemic, profiles eligible internal migrants, and examines socio-economic status, service access, and livelihood opportunities, highlighting gaps and challenges for policy and intervention.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time1 h 31 min

Executive Summary

Study coverage and data collection approaches

Qualitative data collection: FGDs and key informant interviews

Quantitative data collection: sampling and eligibility

Findings focus: migration profiles and livelihood impacts

Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Survey and research on the impact of covid-19 on internal migration, labour markets, and urbanization Nigeria Quantitative Results Report December 2023 The KNOMAD publication disseminates work funded by KNOMAD, a global hub of knowledge and policy expertise on migration and development. KNOMAD is supported by a multi-donor trust fund established by the World Bank. The European Commission, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH commissioned by and on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) are the contributors to the trust fund. This quantitative field report is based on the findings of the survey conducted in Nigeria in 2020-2021. The survey was conducted by Oxford Policy Management Nigeria Limited (OPM) and financed by KNOMAD’s Thematic Working Group on Internal Migration, Labor Markets and Urbanization that commissioned surveys of internal migrants in cities in India, Iran, Nigeria, and South Africa as a part of its research program on the Longer-term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Internal Migration and Labour Markets in Cities. The objective of this research project is to contribute to evidence-based policymaking. Please cite the work as follows: Oxford Policy Management Nigeria Limited (OPM), 2023.“Survey and research on the impact of covid-19 on internal migration, labour markets, and urbanization- – Nigeria Quantitative Results Report.” KNOMAD, World Bank. Washington, DC 20433. The views expressed in this report do not represent the views of the World Bank or the sponsoring organizations. All queries should be addressed to [KNOMAD@worldbank.org](KNOMAD@worldbank.org). KNOMAD working papers and a host of other resources on migration are available [at www.KNOMAD.org](at www.KNOMAD.org). Executive Summary The KNOMAD Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on Internal Migration, Labor Markets, and Urbanization conducted across two (2) states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos state Nigeria. The data collection conducted in various wards, used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches with the aim to identify the impact of the pandemic on internal migrants, migration patterns and city life changes during and after the pandemic, comparing data from different countries and cities, to encourage discussions among policymakers, development partners, and the public on what actions local and central governments can take to make life better for people who move within the country on what local/central governments can do to improve the livelihoods of internal migrants in the event of future external shocks. The qualitative data collection used a semi-structured guide which include Focused Group Discussions (FGD) and Key informant interviews (KIIs), these interviews were conducted with key agencies engaged with migrant and COVID-19 activities, representatives at federal and state levels from stakeholder groups engaging the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHDS), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA; Lagos and FCT), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), focusing on the key indicators. The quantitative research approach employed use of appropriate sampling techniques, giving all eligible respondents a fair chance of being part of the survey, because of the dynamic nature of the target population, a sampling approach was adopted to reach the migration population in the selected states, who have moved from different parts of Nigeria to the selected survey states during the COVID-19 pandemic (between 25th March 2020 to 1st Septemb

FAQs

Which states and areas were covered in the Nigeria survey?

The survey was conducted across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos state, with data collected in multiple wards in the two states.

What qualitative methods were used to collect data?

Qualitative data used a semi-structured guide, including Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key informant interviews (KIIs) with agencies involved in migration and COVID-19 activities.

How was the quantitative sample designed and who was eligible?

The quantitative approach used appropriate sampling techniques to reach a mobile and sparsely distributed migration population. Eligible participants were internal migrants residing in selected states during the COVID-19 period and who migrated within 5 to 10 years before the pandemic.

Jul 19, 2026

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