Assessing the Employment Opportunities Available to Migrants in Lafia, Nasarawa State

Author's Information:

Oyinloye Adenrele Abeke

Sustainable Development Center, University of Abuja

Sule Magaji

Department of Economics, University of Abuja. ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9583-3993

Ibrahim Musa 

Department of Economics, University of Abuja. ORCID: 0000-0002-7949-4298 

Yahaya Ismail

Department of Economics, University of Abuja. ORCID ID: 0009-0006-7876-9524

Vol 2 No 07 (2025):Volume 02 Issue 07 July 2025

Page No.: 545-551

Abstract:

This study examines the employment opportunities available to migrants in Lafia, Nasarawa State, employing a quantitative research approach with a survey design. Data was collected from a sample of 399 respondents, comprising internal and cross-border migrants, as well as members of host communities, selected using a multistage sampling technique based on Taro Yamane's formula. The study revealed a predominantly male (55.1%) and economically active (45.1%, aged 31-45 years) migrant population, with a relatively high level of education, and a notable reliance on self-employment (35.1%). Key findings indicated overwhelmingly positive employment outcomes: over 92% of migrants reported having stable and secure jobs, more than 93% perceived job opportunities in Lafia as superior to their previous locations, and over 92% had received job-related training since migrating. Crucially, 93% affirmed their jobs allowed them to save and invest for the future. These results collectively suggest successful economic integration and generally favourable employment prospects for migrants within Lafia's diverse economic landscape.

KeyWords:

Employment Opportunities, Migrants, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Economic Integration and Self-Employment

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