THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 24, No. 1, June 2026
Pages 128-145
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/6202.42.0180
Patterns, Determinants and Consequences of Migration among Ebira Women in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory
Abdulmumin Adinoyi Ibrahim, Umar Kari and Ayuba Mgbegah
Department of Sociology, University of Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Migration and its consequences have attracted global attention. Studies have focused on this aspect of migration with less focus on the patterns and determinants, this study therefore, examined the pattern, determinants and consequences of migration among Ebira women in Abuja who are mostly independent migrants. Hinged on the Gidden’s Structuration and Harris-Todaro theories of migration, the study specifically described the patterns, identified motivating factors, and examined effects of migration. The study was descriptive in design and utilized multistage sampling procedure which included cluster, convenience and purposive selection of 630 respondents at different stages. Qualitative data was elicited through (four (4) FGD sessions) Data was analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and presented using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. More than half (53.2%) of the respondents migrated from the rural areas; while some (46.8%) migrated in stages from rural to rural or urban areas before moving to Abuja. The major determinant of migration was economic reported by (56.2%). Migration had positive effects on some migrants as almost half (48.9%) of the respondents were unemployed before migration while only few (17.8%) became unemployed a year after migration. The likelihood of migrating independently, significantly increased by employment status (53.2%).and educational qualifications for some (9.62%). Non-economic factors such as hope of getting married and to seek solace from a broken relationship also motivated migration. A more enabling environment social-economic environment should be created in Abuja to enable migrants realize their economic aspirations.
Keywords: Ebira female migrants, independent migration, migration determinants, rural-urban migration