Developing a Migration Data Collection Framework for Nigerian State Governments

Migration data are essential for infrastructure planning and social service delivery, yet Nigerian state governments lack systematic frameworks for collecting and using migration statistics at sub-national level. This study developed a migration data collection framework for state governments, contextualised for application in three pilot states: Plateau (NC), Ogun (SW), and Edo (SS), representing diverse migration dynamics. A professional framework development methodology was applied, incorporating structured consultations with 15 state planning commission officials, 10 NPopC officers, and 8 migration data specialists, alongside review of IOM migration data reference model and ECOWAS regional migration statistics guidelines. Assessment confirmed that all three states lacked standardised migration data collection instruments, that labour migration patterns were documented only through national surveys with limited state-level utility, and that internal displacement was tracked by emergency management agencies using non-harmonised methods. The migration data framework specifies four collection modules: household migration survey (integrating with routine state surveys), border and transport node monitoring, emigrant network surveys, and administrative record integration. Interoperability specifications with NBS and NPopC data systems are provided. Expert review by nine migration statistics and demography specialists confirmed the framework's technical and operational adequacy. The study recommends piloting the household survey module in each of the three states in Year 1, with full framework implementation in Year 3 following capacity building.

Keywords: migration data, state government statistics, migration framework, internal migration, Nigeria