Cross Border Migration and Life Expectancy in Nigeria and Benin Republic, 1999-2020

Abstract

Individual citizens migrate across their national boundaries due to prevailing circumstances of life expectancy such as; Access to good health care, higher disposable income, and Access to good education. Better economic opportunities and good living standards. However there have been fierce debates on whether there is an association between migration and life expectancy, however, the findings are conflicting and inconclusive. Thus, this study examined the relationship between cross-border migration and life expectancy in Nigeria and Benin Republic, from 1999-2020. The study adopted Push and Pull migration theory as its theoretical framework. Secondary data were sourced from textbooks, Journal articles, Working Papers, International Organization for Migration Website, and World Bank Development Index. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that cross-border migration has a significant relationship with life Expectancy in Nigeria. Whereas there is no relationship in the case of the Benin Republic. Thus, the study recommended that Both the Nigeria and Benin Republic governments should implement policies that will regulate migration, foster collaboration on healthcare initiatives through knowledge-sharing, ensure proper healthcare services for migrants, create economic opportunities, fight insecurity, create job opportunities for the teeming youths, Improve education, income