In-Migrants as Partners in Urban Infrastructural Development: Evidence from Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Author

Mlumun Elizabeth Mishi, Dr. Joseph Enefu

Abstract

 This study examines the contribution of in-migrants to infrastructural development in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Healey (1993) formula for determining sample size for an unknown population was used to determined sample size for the study. The study used data collected from 387 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaire administered to in-migrants residing in the town. Also, an inventory checklist was used to document infrastructure and establishments associated with migrant in the study area. Frequency counts, percentages, tables and charts were used for data analysis and presentation. The result indicates that in-migrants established 117 infrastructures in the study area. About 76.74% of the respondents acknowledged in-migrants’ contributions to development in their communities. Monetary donations were the most frequently form of contribution (76.09%). The result obtained through inventory indicates that in-migrants contributed more to establishing educational institutions (55.6%) compared to other infrastructures. More so, individual contributions were frequently tailored towards drilling boreholes (30.49%), school-related development (27.91%), electricity (20.49%) and roads (16.54%). In addition, 75.97% of respondents acknowledged contributions by migrant community development associations. Nevertheless, 48.42% rated the overall effect of migrant contributions to development as moderate, while 36.39% rated it as low. The study concludes that in-migrants are meaningful partners in urban infrastructure provision, but their contributions require transparent financial management, inclusive decision-making and coordination with urban development board. It recommends stronger accountability mechanisms, project monitoring and collaborative infrastructure planning.

Keywords

In-migration, infrastructure, community development associations, urban development and Makurdi Metropolis.

Full Text:

Download Paper PDF

References

Ahimie, B., & Okojide, A. C. (2021). Infrastructural development and community involvement in the realization of sustainable development goals. Nigerian Community Development Journal, 11, 52–64.

Ajaero, C. K., & Onokala, P. C. (2013). The effects of rural–urban migration on rural communities of southeastern Nigeria..

Appe, S., & Papyan, S. (2025). How and why do diaspora give? A conceptual model to understanding diaspora philanthropy. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 54(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/08997640241275098

Castles, S., de Haas, H., & Miller, M. J. (2019). The age of migration: International population movements in the modern world. Guilford Press.

Chriswell, K., & Huberts, A. (2024). Collective action infrastructure: The downstream effects of urban neighborhood organizing. Comparative Political Studies, 57(7). https://doi.org/10.1177/00104140231193018

Daniel, M. M. (2014). Local and community driven development approach in the provision of basic facilities in Jos, Nigeria. Cities, 39, 99–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2014.03.003

Emmanuel, A. A & Fasakin, J. O. (2015). Provision of critical infrastructure in urban hinterland and rural coastland of southwestern Nigeria: Comparing the efforts of CBOs. African Geographical Review, 34(2), 125–141. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376812.2013.879634

Enefu1, J., Mundi, R and Dakyes, S. P (2024). The Impact of Migrants’ Remittances on Rural Development in Benue State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science IX(III):211-224 DOI:10.51584/IJRIAS.2024.90321

Fakere, A. A., &Ayoola, H. A. (2018). Socioeconomic characteristics and community participation in infrastructure provision in Akure, Nigeria. Cogent Social Sciences, 4(1), https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2018.1437013

Fateye, T. B., Odunfa, V. O., Ibisola, A. S., &Ibuoye, A. A. (2021). Basic residential neighborhood infrastructure financing in Nigeria urban cities: Community development associations (CDAs)-based approach. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 5(1), Article 1242. https://doi.org/10.24294/JIPD.V5I1.1242.

Fulmer, J. (2009). What in the world is infrastructure? [Publication details as cited in the source dissertation should be verified].

Ibem, E. O. (2009). Community-led infrastructure provision in low-income urban communities in developing countries: A study on Ohafia, Nigeria. Cities, 26(3), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2009.02.001

International Organization for Migration. (2021). Migration and community development: Global report. IOM.

International Organization for Migration. (2022). World migration report 2022. Global Report. IOM.

Kandilige, L. (2017). Collective remittance mobilisation strategies of Ghanaian hometown associations in the UK. Ghana Journal of Geography, 9(3).

Lee, E. S. (1966). A theory of migration. Demography, 3(1), 47–57.

Mabogunje, A. L. (1970). Systems approach to a theory of rural–urban migration. Geographical Analysis, 2(1), 1–18.

Stark, O., & Bloom, D. E. (1985). The new economics of labor migration. American Economic Review, 75(2), 173–178.

Uduku, N. O. (1994). Promoting community based approaches to social infrastructure provision in urban areas in Nigeria. Environment and Urbanization, 6(2), 57–78. https://doi.org/10.1177/095624789400600204

UN-Habitat. (2023). Urbanization and emerging challenges in African cities. UN-Habitat Publications.

 

 

 

Share your valuable work from Social Media Buttons