New Data Reveals Nigerian States With Highest Population That Has Never Relocated

A new demographic breakdown has highlighted the Nigerian states with the highest number of residents who have never changed their place of residence, offering fresh insights into internal migration patterns across the country.

According to the figures, Zamfara tops the list with 994,000 males and 898,000 females who have lived in the same location all their lives. It is followed closely by Jigawa, which records 960,000 males and 882,000 females, and Sokoto, with 911,000 males and 932,000 females.

Other states with high “non-migrant” populations include Kaduna with 881,000 males and 540,000 females, Taraba with 825,000 males and 947,000 females, Kwara with 823,000 males and 542,000 females, Ondo with 806,000 males and 706,000 females, Katsina with 776,000 males and 942,000 females, Bauchi with 766,000 males and 770,000 females, Plateau with 760,000 males and 932,000 females, Cross River with 701,000 males and 637,000 females, and Oyo with 696,000 males and 607,000 females.

Migration analysts say the data reflects cultural, economic, and social dynamics unique to each region.

States with strong agrarian communities, deep-rooted traditional settlements, or limited urban migration pressures tend to show higher numbers of residents who remain in their communities.

Experts add that understanding these patterns is crucial for planning development projects, social services, and infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.