Age Disparity, Marital Status, and Social Identity Shaping Migration Ambitions of Nigerians

International migration among Nigerians has emerged as a prominent and recurring conversation in recent years due to its adverse consequences on skill retention and national development. While economic issues may inspire migration ambitions, such desires may be tied to core social and demographic issues. This study examined how age disparity, marital status and social identities shaped the migration ambitions of Nigerians living in the Southwest region of the country. A cross-sectional research design was adopted in the study, and data were collected from 344 participants across several Southwest states in Nigeria using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The results revealed that age was not significant in shaping migration ambitions among Nigerians (F = .087; p> 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the migration ambitions of Nigerians based on their marital status (F = 3.384; p<0.05). Specifically, widowed participants reported the greatest desire to migrate out of Nigeria. Furthermore, social identity predicted migration ambitions among Nigerians living in Southwest Nigeria (F = 45.535; p <0.05). Thus, our findings suggest that migration ambitions in Southwest Nigeria were influenced by marital status and social identity. It is recommended that the present policies aimed at reducing the migration of Nigerians to other countries should consider marital and social contexts as determining factors.