For years, the question of where the largest concentration of Nigerians live outside their homeland has sparked debate and shifting answers. New data and migration trends are challenging long-held assumptions, revealing a dynamic global landscape for the Nigerian diaspora.
The Historical Leader Faces New Competition
For decades, the United Kingdom held the undisputed crown for hosting the largest single Nigerian population abroad. Estimates from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) place the number of Nigerian-born individuals in the UK between 215,000 and 500,000. This historical dominance is rooted in colonial ties, shared language, and established educational pathways.
London remains the epicentre, with areas like Peckham in South London often dubbed "Little Lagos" due to its dense Nigerian community. However, recent UK immigration data shows a notable shift. While 141,000 Nigerians migrated to the UK between June 2022 and June 2023, that number fell to around 52,000 in the year ending December 2024. This decline is attributed to tighter visa policies and growing interest in alternative destinations.
The American Contender: A Story of Size and Restriction
The United States presents a powerful but complex picture. Current estimates suggest America is home to between 400,000 and 600,000 Nigerian-born residents. When American-born children and grandchildren of Nigerian immigrants are included, this total diaspora population could swell to between 1 and 2 million.
Texas leads all US states with approximately 70,000 to 90,000 Nigerian-born residents, primarily drawn to Houston's energy sector. Maryland, New York, California, and Georgia also host significant communities. Despite this substantial presence, growth is hampered by one of the world's most challenging immigration systems for Nigerians, with the Diversity Visa Lottery offering odds of roughly 1 in 100 and employment-based visas requiring exceptional qualifications or major investment.
Canada's Meteoric Rise as the New Destination of Choice
The most dramatic shift in recent years is the explosive growth of Nigerian migration to Canada. Once a secondary consideration, Canada has surged ahead as the fastest-growing destination for Nigerian migrants. This is driven by its transparent Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, and clearer pathways to permanent residency compared to the UK and US.
While Canada's historical Nigerian population is smaller—estimated at 150,000 to 300,000—its annual intake now rivals or exceeds that of traditional hubs. A 2020 study by the Africa Polling Institute already identified Canada as the most preferred destination for prospective Nigerian migrants, a trend that has only intensified. Ontario, particularly Toronto, hosts the largest share, followed by Alberta.
Understanding the Full Diaspora Picture
NIDCOM estimates that approximately 17 million Nigerians live abroad globally. This diaspora is a vital economic force, remitting over $25 billion to Nigeria in 2024, making the country Africa's largest remittance recipient.
Beyond the top three Western destinations, significant communities exist in the United Arab Emirates (80,000-150,000), South Africa, and within West Africa via ECOWAS movement. The key to understanding the "largest" population lies in the definition: counting only Nigerian-born individuals versus the total diaspora community including descendants.
The global map of the Nigerian diaspora is being redrawn. While the UK and US host massive, well-established communities, Canada's proactive immigration policies are capturing the momentum of new migration flows. This shift reflects the aspirations of Nigerians seeking clarity, opportunity, and a better quality of life for their families abroad.
