MIGRATING TO CANADA: GOVERNANCE AND THE RELEVANCE OF PROTECTING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS OF THE MIDDLE CLASS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Citizens in the middle class in any society live above the poverty threshold. However, the unprecedented migration to Canada in the last 5 years among the middle class in Nigeria raises a cause for concern regarding their socio-economic conditions. This study examines the increasing aspiration of citizens in the middle class to migrate to Canada within the broader context of socio-economic rights in Nigeria. The study asks a pertinent question: will the protection and enforcement of socio-economic rights in Nigeria reduce the unprecedented level of migration among the middle class? The study adopts the mixed research method and employs quantitative as well as qualitative techniques. Although, the study reveals that some respondents aspire to migrate due to economic factors, such as job insecurity, however, the majority of respondents are social migrants that desire improved quality of life. A large percentage of the respondents indicated that the decision to migrate would not be a priority, should the government protect socio-economic rights and provide access to social protection benefits. The study argues that Nigeria will witness a significant level of reduction in migration among the middle class when socio-economic rights are protected and enforced. Importantly, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) should influence the government to enact legislations on social protection. These laws must be duly implemented in order to protect socio-economic rights and improve the quality of life of the citizens. In addition, the government should carry out comprehensive reforms in public institutions towards improving the standard and quality of services rendered.