Vol. 20, May 2014 Issue 1
ISSN: 1118 4035
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Nigerian Journal
of
Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Vol. 20, May 2014, Issue 1.
ISSN: 1118 - 4035
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II Nigerian Journal uJ Clinical and Couiuselluiq PsycJwwgy
Nigerian Journal of
Clinical and Coullselling Psychology
Vol. 20 May 2014, Issue 1. ISSN: 1118 - 4035;
Editorial Board
Founding Editor
Professor Helen O. Nwagwu
Editor
Professor Oyesoji Aremu
Consulting Editors
Professor Adenike Emeke
Institute of Education)
University of Ibadan.
Professor Bayode Popoola
Department of Educational Foundations & Counselling)
Obafemi Aiuolouio, University) Ile-Ife,
Professor S. K. Balogun
Department of Psychology
University of Ibadan.
Professor Jonathan Osiki
Department of Guidance & Counselling)
University of Ibadan
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Professor Anthony V. Naidoo
University of Western Cape,
Institute of Counselling,
Bellville 7535) South Africa.
Prof. Adedeji S. Olugbenga
Department of Educational Management)
University of Ibadan,
Ibadan, Nigeria.
Professor Virginia A. Amadi
Department of Educational Psychology
University of Port - Harcourt)
Port - Harcourt) Nigeria.
Professor Amos A. Alao
Covenant University)
Ota, Nigeria
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IV Nigerian Journal of Cluneal aiui Counselling Psychulugy
Nigerian Journal of
Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Information for Authors
The Nigerian Journal of Clinical and Counselling Psychology is
concerned with the psychological, social, behavioural,
medical, paediatric and ethical aspects of the applied field of
clinical and counselling psychology. The journal publishes
contributions of research, clinical, counselling and theoretical
interest. Contributions from other disciplines, which have a
close bearing on psychology for example, psychiatry,
sociology, social work, nursing and educational issues are,
however, encouraged. Although primary emphasis is placed
on empirical research, the journal also welcomes articles
concerned with important clinical, theoretical and
methodological issues, as well as reviews of relevant
literature. Book reviews, summaries of proceedings of
important national and international workshops, conferences
and symposia falling within the aims of the journal will also
be featured. The journal is non-racial and non-political and
does not discriminate on grounds of religion and sex. It is
published twice a year, in May and November.
Prospective contributors should take particular note of
the following details:
(1) The entire manuscript, which includes the title
page, abstract, and key words, text, tables, figures
and legends, should be typewritten on A4 size
paper, double-spaced. Manuscript length should
not normally exceed 20 pages.
(2) A concise abstract of not more than 150 words
should be included.
(3) Authors should follow the reference and citation
styles as prescribed in the publication manual of
the American Psychological Association (APA).
(4) Each article submitted for consideration must be
accompanied with non-refundable reviewer's fee of
W5, 000 in cash or bank draft.
(5) Neither the Editors nor the Editorial Board j
members shall be liable for any article(s) lost in
transit.
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r
Manuscripts should be submitted in triplicate and addressed
to one of the following:
The Editorial Office Anthony V. Naidoo
c/o Oyesoji Aremu University of Western
Departmen t of Cape,
Guidance & Institute of
Counselling, Counselling,
University of Ibadan, Bellville 7535,
Ibadan, Nigeria Sou th Africa.
Adedeji S. Amos A. Alao
Olugbenga Guidance & Counselling
Departmen t of Centre,
Educational University of Botswana,
Managemen t, Gaborne, Botswana.
University of
Ibadan,
Ibadan, Nigeria.
Subscription Rates
Single copy: US$l 0.0
Annual subscription (Twocopies): US$18
All business communications and enquiries in respect of
su bscri ptions, renewals, and placement of advertisemen ts,
orders and remittances should be directed to the Editorial
Office. Bank drafts or Western Union Money Transfer and not
personal cheques should be sent to the Editor.
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VI Niqenari Journal of Clinical and Counselhnq Psychology
GUEST EDITOR
It is my great pleasure indeed to serve as the Guest Editor of
your highly subscribed academic publication outlet Nigerian
Journal of Clinical and Counselling Psychology. This volume
can be seen as a window into some of the current psycho-
educational research executed by accomplished academics
and professionals in our discipline. The contributors are from
diverse academic backgrounds who have submitted a wide
range of well conceptualised, researched and presented
articles.
This issue includes thirteen (13) papers, most of which
are well thought through, e.rnp.irica.1Jy-based artides of hi ah
intellectual quality. With a considerably high preponderance
of jointly authored papers) one is particularly elated that our
colleagues are consciously and conscientiously creating
research teams and groups to facilitate collaborative research
initiatives and projects with potentially beneficial outcomes
for our behavioural science milieu in Nigeria.
, Cognisant of the challenge of rule violating behaviours
among emerging adults in Nigeria, Dr Chovwen paper on
"Determinants of Compliance To Authority among
Undergraduate Students at the University of Ibadan"
made very interesting reading, not only because of the
methodological elegance and clarity of presentation but I also
consider it a significant contribution in this edition. The
cluster of health psychology themes of "Influence of health-
related lifestyle on the dietary behaviours of male adults
in corporate establishments in Nigeria" (Anyanwu and
Blavo), that of Eni-Olorunda and Lateef as well as
"Growing without parents: Can the media build
children's Foundation of a healthy and safe life style
habits" (Adio-Moses) both add value to the accumulation of
our body of knowledge in this research area.
"Water stress" a topic investigated by Amori in his article is
quite illuminating to say the least, as I have in all modesty not
quite been exposed to this construct in behavioural science
although I am quite familiar with it in my peripheral interest
in hydraulic engineering. The two articles on Social Work
intervention by Folaranmi and AjaZa as well as the Spec;al
Education themes by Oyefeso and Adewunmi and Oyebola
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give credence 10 the diversity of behaviourat science research
and how the Nigerian Journal of Clinical and Counselling
Psychology is considered as the flagship editorial suite for
research in this domain of scientific inquiry.
As you well know, my comments are at best a tip of the
iceberg in this quest into the depths of academic voyage that
aptly represents your encounter with the articles
encapsulated in this edition of the journal. Please do accept
my humble invitation to dig in and read all the excellent
papers we have compiled in this volume.
Be assured that our editorial suite at the Nigerian
Journal of Clinical and Counselling Psychology will and
should continue in our efforts in contributing our quota in
extending the frontiers of knowledge by serving as a vessel of
intellectual research dissemination to our colleagues locally
and globally.
"Bon Reading"!'!
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Vlll Nigerian Journal of Ciinical and Cuultselli't[j P:->yc}w[uyU
From the Editor-in-Chief
The current edition (Volume 20) of the Nigerian .Journa. of
Clinical and Counselling Psychology has thirteen papers.
These papers are well sourced and assembled by the Editorial
Team of the Journal. This is in tandem with the tradition of
the journal. I should stress it from the onset that the Editorial
Team received an avalanche of papers more than what could
be accommodated by the journal. Papers not accommodated
in this edition would be given due consideration in the next
edition without compromising its excellence.
In the recent tradition of the journal of given a place to a
Guest Editor, the editorial comment is provided by a
longstanding Professor of Counselling and Health Psychology,
Professor Charles B.U. Uwakwe who teaches in the
Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of
Ibadan, Nigeria. The Editorial Board welcomes his
contribution to this edition.
On behalf of the Editorial Board of NJCCP, I offer my
heartfelt thanks to Professor Charles Uwakwe for his editorial
comments. Readers will recall that the first Commentating
Editor was Prof. S.K Balogun of the Department of
Psychology. Having found this to be of more value to NJCCP
and from the comments receive, the Editorial Board would not
renege in this good practice.
The articles in this edition are well assembled and of good
quality. I thank all the contributors. I should also place it on
record that this issue of NJCS, like every edition, is a product
of combined efforts of the authors, reviewers, NJCS editors
including Dr. Adesoji Awoyemi. I am grateful to the founding
Editor, Prof. Helen Nwagwu who continues to send her
goodwill. The Editorial Board appreciates this gesture.
Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, cf., jp
Editor-in-Chief
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L•...
Contents
Determinants of Compliance to Authority among
Undergraduate Students of University of Ibadan.
Catherine Chovwen 1 - 29
Influence of Health - Related Lifestyle on the
Dietary Behaviour of Male Adults in Corporate
Establishments in Nigeria
Francisca Chika Anyanwu & Blavo, Jude Femi. 31 - 45
Psycho- Demographic Predictors of Academic
Achievement Motivation among Secondary School
Adolescents in Ibadan Metropolis
Adcbunm i O. Alade 47 - 70
Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of
Family Planning Among Mothers of Children with
Intellectual Disability in Ibadan, Oyo State
Tolu Eni-Olorunda & Abayomi Lateef 71 - 81
Effectiveness of Social Work Intervention in
Reducing Deviant Behaviour among Secondary School
Students in Ibarapa Central Local Government,
Igbo-Ora, Oyo State
Olufunmilayo O. Folaranmi 83 - 102
Growing Without Parents: Can the Media
Build Childrens' Foundation of A Healthy and
Sale L1.1e~ty\eHa.\:)'t'i:.?
Ruth Ochanya Adio- Moses 103 - 122
Illegal Immigrants on Nigerian Streets: Inclusion in
Government Policy and Implications for the
Role of Social Workers
Ajala E.M 123 - 142
Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Training
Ou tcomes of Civil Engineering Construction,
Furniture and Wood Workers in Nigeria
Kester, K.O & Okemakinde, S.O 143 - 162
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x Nigerian Journal of Clinical cuid Counselling J1SycflOloqy
Managing Persons with Co-Morbidities
Involving Intellectual Disability
Esther Oyefeso 163 - 179
Neonatal Hearing Screening as a Strategy for
Early Intervention for Children with Hearing
Loss in Selected Hospitals
Oj~toyinbo A. Adewumi & Moji Oyebola 181 - 19""
Psychological Factors as Determinants of
Female Academics' Job Commi tmen t in
Universities in South Western Nigeria
Fagunwa, A. 0., Ogidan, O.T & Esan, A.A 199 - 222
Socio Demographic Factors as Determinants of
Public Domestic Perception of Domestic Water
Accident in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
A.A. Amort 223 - 234
Teacher Factors as Predictors of Nursery Pupils'
Socio-Emotional Skills Development
Odinko, Monica N. & Uzoeshi Ifunanya V 235 - 259
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Illegal Immigrants on Nigerian St.ree ts: Inclusion in
Government Policy and Implications for the Role of Social
Workers
Ajala E.M.
Department of Social Work, Faculty of Education,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria.
Email: majekajala@yahoo. corn.
Abstract
Illeqal immigrants are becoming rampart on Nigerian Streets.
These immigrants found their way into the country as a result
of poor government policies, inadequate national security and
the porosity of Nigeria borders. It is against this backqrourid
that this study looks at the role of social workers in government
policies for the integration, rehabilitation and utilisation of
illegal immigrants on Nigerian streets. Thematic open-ended
interviews were chosen as a method for data collection. The
interview is a face-to-face meeting. The participants are illegal
immigrants, mostly from West African countries, begging on the
streets of Ibadan and Osogbo. The male illegal immigrants
were purposively selected for the research because of the
religious and cultural beliefs of the immigrants. A total of fifty
respondents were used. The unstructured thematic interview
guide was used for data collection. Each theme was discussed
in every interview, but in different sequences depending on
how the interview developed. The interview method of research
was used because of the poor educational background of the
respondents. All interviews were transcribed verbatim based
on the themes of the research, responses were collated and
analysed with simple percentages. The finding showed that
83% of these immigrants come into Nigeria for more than once
during the peak period of dry season in their home country to
make a living in Nigeria. Whenever they are in Nigeria they live
in shanties/ mosques and exhibited abject poverty. All the
respondents entered through illegal routes, porous borders
without valid papers. Furthermore, about 90% of the
respondents could speak the adulterated Yoruba and English
language to entice would-be givers. It was recommended that
social worker should work with other enforcing agents to
rehabilitate and re-orientate the illegal immigrants to have
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124 Aju{(l E. M
purposeful life by settling down either in their home country or
in their new country rather than the itinerary life they have
adopted. Social Workers should advocate for policies of
inclusion and social well being of the illegal immigrants under
the policies of respect for humanity, principle of equity and
social justice. The inclusion policies will reduce the crime rate,
enhance healthy environment and productivity in the economy.
Key words: Illegal immigrants, Nigerian streets, Government
policies, Social worker
Introduction
Globalisation has led to the increasing closer integration of
countries and people throughout the world (Stiglitz, 2003).
This situation created by globalisation has increased the
socio-political pressure towards closing nations borders and
also make nation-state borders more permeable (Sassen,
2002). Despite the present globalisation, while goods are
allowed to flow freely back and forth across borders with a
lessening of regulations, the same does not hold time for
people. Many immigrants live lives that transcend nation-
state boundaries, moving back and forth between countries
because they strive to meet various economic; familial and
psychological obligations (Furman & Negi, 2007).
In 2010, an estimated 215million persons lived outside
their country of birth or citizenship, it is estimated that over
20million Africans live outside their countries of birth or
citizenship -in other African countries (ILO, 2009). After the
oil-boom led economic growth of 1975, Nigeria became a
country of immigrants, and by 2006, well over 600,000
foreigners were resident in Nigeria, 97 percent of whom
originated from other West African Countries (ECOWAS 2006;
Afolayan & 10M, 2010). As a result of this movement, since
independence in 1960, Nigeria internal security has been
threatened by cross-border crimes such as trafficking in
arms, persons, drugs, armed banditry, gun-running, vehicle
theft, smuggling, illegal or silent migration (i.e. unnoticed or
undocumented movements across borders) (Babatunde &
10M, 2009).
Some perceived problems with illegal immigrants could
be those faced by the immigrants themselves and those faced
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1'~;;::
ikJ
by the host or receiving country. I11egal immigrants mav
expose themselves to sexual exploitation and slavery. For
example, Burmese women trafficked illegally into Thailand are
forced to work in factories or as prostitutes (Bales, 1999).
Other exam ples of sexual slavery by illegal immigrants are
noted by Doezema (2000) and Lande (2001). Some illegal
immigrants die in the course of their journey to the new found
lands either due to suffocations in the deserts or accidents
(US Government Accounting Office, 2006; Evelyn Nieves,
2002). Would-be immigrants have been known to suffocate in
shipping containers, boxcars, trucks; sink in shipwrecks and
dehydration (Ashinoff, 2007).
In Nigeria, the entry of illegal immigrants has been
associated with serious security issues stemming from cross-
border crimes like smuggling (a great source of illegal arms
into the country, banned goods); armed banditry from Benin,
Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic; bunkering, illegal
lumbering, poaching and terrorism (Babatunde & 10M, 2009).
These challenges are made complex because of the
geographical and demographic nature of the country. For
instance, the cultural affinity with neighbouring population
often presents problems of identification of citizens.
Authorities (Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigeria
Customs Service) said they often faced the challenge of
placing some Nigeriens as they bear similar traits and names
with the Nigerian Hausa group, and between the Yoruba of
Nigeria and Benin. Furthermore, the contiguity with the
neighbouring countries allows the inflow of refugees or rebels
from these countries into Nigeria due to porous frontiers.
Also, because Nigerians are receptive and accommodating by
nature, the presence of illegal immigrants are hardly felt or
visible due to its vastness and population (Babatunde & 10M,
2009).
The various crimes induced by illegal immigrants have
caused or influenced rate of ethno-religious and political
crises in Nigeria, where several lives and property were lost
and people displaced. The more recent was the Boko Haram
(Nigerian version of Taliban) sectarian crisis against the state.
Foreign nationals were discovered among its fold and the
Nigeria police alleged that the group received training and
arms in Afghanistan. Weak institutions have contributed to
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126 Ajala E. I\!
Nigeria's inability to manage these types of illegal movement.
Immigration officials and other security agents at the borders
are frequently accused of corruption. The ill has adversely
affected the way it carried out implementations of bilateral
and multilateral agreements entered into, including the
ECOWAS migration policy. In fact, most of the ills of the
ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, the Right
of Residence and Establishment adopted on 29 May 1979
emanated from deep-rooted corruption and Nigeria is the most
accused (Babatunde, 2005). The rapacity of officials and
security agents extorting money from and harassing and
brutalizing travellers, the ubiquity of checkpoints along the
Nigerian section of the international highway, rigid borders
formalities, and poorly-equipped borders have to a great
extent led to undermining the nation's security,
encouragement of illegal and dangerous activities which
enable any persons gain entry into Nigeria.
Theoretical Framework
The following theoretical frameworks are useful for the
determination for the causes of the illegal immigrants into
Nigeria
a. Push/Pull Factors: Illegal immigrant occurs principally
from countries with socio-economic circumstances to
coun tries where people are perceived to have greater
economic opportunities and quality of life (Taylor, 2007).
In this situation, potential immigrants believe the
probability and benefits of successfully migrating to the
destination country are greater than the costs of staying
at home. The benefits believe to exist include
improvement in income and living conditions. Under the
situation, it is assumed that the illegal immigrants are
undocumented workers that tend to add to, and compete
with, the receiving countries' pool of unskilled labourers.
These undocumented workers accept lower wages than
native- born workers, sometimes below the minimum
wage (Hanson, 2007; Borjas, 2003). This theory is
applicable to the movement of illegal immigrants in to
Nigeria from neighbouring West African countries who
migrate into Nigeria to seek for greener pasture.
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llieaal Immiqrants ..,-~Drt. ... jLi
b. Structure! Demand of Developed States: Massey, Duran
and Malone (2003) under the structural demand theory
argued that a bifurcating market in developed countries
creates a structural demand for unskilled immigrant
labour to fill undesirable jobs that native-born citizens
do not seek, regardless of wages. The underclass jobs
according to Massey et al (2003) include harvesting
crops, unskilled labour in landscaping and construction,
house-cleaning, and maid and busboy work in hotels
and restaurants, all of which have a disproportionate
number of undocumented immigrants. The postulation
of Massey et al. (2003) is very suitable for the need for
illegal immigran ts to migrate from neigh bouring
countries into Nigeria to take up the jobs of house-
maids/house-keepers, night guards, gate-men and so
on. The structural demand theory posits that willingness
to take undesirable jobs is what gives undocumented
immigrants their employment (Valenzuela, Theodore,
Melendez & Gonzalez, 2006).
c. Over-Population: Another cause of illegal immigration is
over-population in the home country of the migrants.
Population growth that exceeds the carry capacity of an
area or environment results in over-population
(Meadows, 1986). Over-population can cause problems
such as pollution, water crisis (Kirby 2001; Brown, 2000)
and poverty (McNicoll, 1999; UNFPA, 2002). Abernetly
and Lundberg (2012) noted that immigration is a road
that provides a "relief value" to over-population. The
issue of over-population as a reason for illegal migration
into another country is not applicable to the movement
of illegal immigrants into Nigeria, because the illegal
immigrants who are mainly from West African Countries
(Niger, Chad, Mali, Sudan) are coming from places that
are referred to as under-populated.
d. Family Reunification: Some undocumented immigrants
have stated that they move so as to live with loved ones,
such as spouse or other family members (Aizenman,
2006; Vital, 2006; Galili, 2005). Family reunification
visas may be applied for to bring family members who
are living apart into a destination state legally, but when
these visas that are limited in number due to quotas are
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128 Ajala E. lvf.
exhausted, family members who wish to unify are forced
to enter the country of destination illegally. Massey et al
(2003) found that the likelihood that a Mexican national
will emigrate illegally to the US increases dramatically if
they have one or more family members already residing
in the United State legally or illegally. This theory is not
relevant to Nigeria situation where most of the illegal
immigrants have no relations residing in Nigeria.
e. Wars and Asylum: Illegal immigration may be prompted
by the desire to escape war or repression in the country
of origin. Non-economic push factors include persecution
(religious and otherwise), frequent abuse, bullying,
oppression, and genocide, and risks to civilians during
war. Politically, illegal immigrants can take to their facts
to escape dictatorship at home country. For instance,
after decades of armed conflict, roughly one of every
Colombians now live abroad (Myriam, 2005). Also,
Colombia is the fourth-leading source country of illegal
immigrants into United States. It has been estimated
that the number of illegal Coloumbian residents in the
United States almost tripled from 51,000 in 1990 to
141,000 in 2000 (US Department of Homeland Security,
2000). The mass emigration from poor and war-striken
states of Chad, Mali and Sudan in West Africa,
neighbours to Nigeria, has accounted for some number
of illegal immigrants in Nigeria.
The Dilemmas of Social Workers and Illegal Immigrants
Social Work is the profession charged with guarding the rights
and promoting the psychosocial health of at-risk populations
(Lum, 1996). In particular, social work has long been
concerned with the rights, well-being, and health of
immigrant populations (Chang-Muy & Congress, 2008). While
social workers continue to playa significant role in providing
direct services to immigrants, they are perhaps less involved,
or even aware, of the struggles that immigrants face given the
changing realities in which immigrants finds themselves.
While there has been an increase in the socio-political
pressures toward closing our borders, the issues of wanting to
criminalise illegal immigration give rise to the following issues
in connection with social work practice.
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1. Obeying the law versus adhering to professional
values: With the criminalisation of illegal immigration
through legislation, social workers are in a quandary in which
they either obey the law or violate professional values. Sodal
workers are left to conceptualize how they provide services to
illegal immigrant differently than others. In other words,
social workers will often come to view illegal immigrants as a
second class "other" for which certain laws and statutes
prohibit services. This action in itself may lead to forms of
discrimination. As social workers are concerned with their
own well-being and potential legal sanctions, they may not be
free to prioritize and privilege the needs of individual clients
(illegal immigrants) (Furman, Ackerman, Loya, Jones & Negi,
2012). Furthermore, a social worker who is worried about
violating laws relating to illegal immigrants may simply not
fully follow up on a referral, or as a supervisor, hel she may
not prioritize finding a worker who is fluent in the language of
the potential client (illegal immigrant).
2. Reporting to authorities versus confidentiality:
Confidentiality is one of the core values of the profession that
has clear ethical and practical implications. Ethically,
confidentiality places the clients at the center of the healing
process, and demonstrates to them that their needs are of the
highest value. It demonstrates to clients that with the
exception of certain behaviours that place others and self in
harm's way, they are entitled to be forgiven for past
transgressions, and that in spite of these transgressions, they
are deserving of dignity, respect, and the opportunity to grow,
heal and change (Furman, et.al, 2012). In the case of illegal
immigrants, providing information to legal agencies to comply
with one set of immigration laws may actually lead social
workers to break laws governing confidentiality.
3. One versus many: Social workers may be forced to decide
between the welfare of one client verses the well-being of their
whole client population, that is, when they are compelled to
ignore or circumvent laws that place the integrity and
potential well-being of their whole agency at risk. By being
forced to worry about the survival of their agency in the face
of anti-immigrant laws, social workers may place
organizational needs over the needs of individual clients. This
perverse ethical dilemma actually compels social workers to
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130 Ajala E. M.
violate one of two central values of the profession: social
work's history and championing of the social agency, versus
the centrality of the needs of individuals from disadvantaged
groups (Furman, et.al, 2012). Since Bess (2011) suggested
that Social Workers need to engage in social and political
action, educate and initiate, therefore, social workers will
have to serve as a mediator between illegal immigrant (law
breaker) and the government (law enforcer).
Background to the issue of illegal immigrants on Nigerian
streets
Illegal immigrants on Nigerian Street live in shanties and
exhibit abject poverty because of their illegal migration which
denies them access to good jobs. They also recreate without
birth control as a result of their level of education, most of
these illegal immigrants do not have any formal education
and even find it difficult to enrol their children in schools
within their host community. During dry season, they are
seen on Nigerian streets begging while during rainy season
majority return to their country to work their farms. Some few
once who stay behind in Nigeria during rainy seasons do jobs
like house helps and cleaners. This study is interested on
those illegal immigrants that are on the Nigerian streets.
Most illegal immigrants on the Nigerian roads)
especially in the two cities under study, are from
neighbouring West African Countries of Mali, Niger, Sudan
and Chad. While in Nigeria, their main occupation is begging
for survival. They live in shan ties and obscure uncompleted
buildings, bus stops and worship places (especially mosque).
They have no formal educational background. They cannot
write but speak Hausa language fluently. The street illegal
immigrants operate in family-bound technique (that is, the
women and children cluster round would-be alms givers while
the husband keeps a distance, watching what would happen
to them). They all retire to their abode after the days job
(begging). The presence of illegal immigrants on the Nigerian
streets drew the attention of the researcher to wanting to
know the roles which social workers can play in their lives or
on their behalf.
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I 1 -v ,~ \? i.
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I Methodology
I Design: Thematic open-ended interviews were chosen as amethod for data collection. The outcomes of such interview=
depend on the quality of interaction between the respondents
and the interviewer, but also upon culturally hidden
assumptions about understanding of experiences, feelings
and intentions (Silverman, 2001). The interview is a face-to-
face meeting, where the researcher attempt to understand the
respondent's perspective and experiences. This makes the
interviews more like a conversation than an interview with
scope simply for asking and responding (Mishler, 1986). It is
important to mention that it is the outcome of the interviews
that is analysed and not the interaction.
Participants: The study tries to elicit information from
participants who are illegal immigrants begging on the streets
of Ibadan and Osogbo. The two cities are the capital cities of
Oyo and Osun states respectively, in Nigeria. The illegal
immigrants mostly from West African countries are seen
loitering and begging for alms and constituting nuisance to
their communities. The male illegal immigrates were
purposively selected for the research because the female and
children of the illegal immigrants would not grant interview.
The head of the family (husband) is the only person that can
grant interview based on their religious/ cultural beliefs. A
total of fifty respondents were used.
Instrumentation: The thematic interview guide which
includes the following themes was used- period of arrival, how
many times of visit, occupation at home front, purpose of
coming, mode of cross over, place of abode. The thematic
interviews were unstructured, in accordance with Silverman,
(2001). This implies that each theme was discussed in every
interview, but in different sequences depending on how the
in terview developed.
Data collection: The interview method of research was used
because of the poor educational background of the
respondents. The confidence and cooperation of the
respondents were secured because the interviewer was able to
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1
132 Ajulo E. !II.
convince the respondents that he was not an agent of
government or law enforcement agent. The Hausa language
spoken ability of the researcher (which happens to be the
mode of communication in the home country of the
immigrants) encouraged the discussion and consent to grant
the interview. The interviewer is a lecturer of industrial social
work that is trained in interviewing.
Data analysis: All interviews were transcribed verbatim based
on the themes of the research. The responses were collated
and analysed with simple percentages.
Findings
I. Question: When did you come to Nigeria'?
Answer: The following percentage reaction was got.
Those who came in between January and March were
25(500/0), April and June 5(10%)' July and September
5(100/0), October and December 15(30%).
o Ian-March
1:1April-June
50% o July-Sept
o Oct-Dee
10%
ARRlV AL IN NIGERIA
Comment: The data shows that they migrate into
Nigeria mostly between October and March 40(800/0).
This is the peak period of dry season in their home
country where they are jobless.
II. Question: How many times have you been in Nigeria?
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·1'~.'.~...
.t !,.,.,_
Answer: Data collated showed that first timer were
10(20%), those who have been in Nigeria between two
and four times were 18(36%}, while those with five
times and above were 23(46)%
TIMES OFVISIT
~ First Timer
~ Two-Four times
o Five times and
above
Timer
Comment: This shows that 83% had visited Nigeria for
more than twice. They keep coming especially during
the dry season and go back to their home country
during rainy season.
III. Question: What IS your occupation In your home
country?
Answer: Jobless 3(6%), Farming 39(78%), Artisans
5(10%), Trading 3(6%).
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I,
134 Aja[o E M.
HOME JOB
10% 6% 6%
o Joblessness
Farming
o Artisn
o Trading
78%
Comment: Majority of the respondents were farmers at
their home country, while 5(100/0) were Artisans of
different trades and only 3(100/0) were jobless.
IV. Question: Why are you in Nigeria?
Answer: All respondents (50) agreed being In Nigeria
was to make a living
V. Question: How do you want to make a living while in
Nigeria?
Answer: All the 50 respondents said they make a living
through begging
Comment: Questions (v) and (vi) showed that illegal
immigrants beg for money to sustain themselves during
their stay in Nigeria and keep leftovers of their earnings
to be taken to their home country where poverty rate is
high and where there is' no hope of getting support
from people. They stated that the little money made
from their farms could not sustain them throughout
the year hence they keep coming into Nigeria on yearly
bases.
VI. Question: How do your wives and children
communicate with their would-be givers?
Answer: Those who claim that their wives and children
could speak adulterated Yoruba language were 37(74°10)
and adulterated English languages were 45(90%).
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.-... -
Comment: This is a further confirmation of repeated
coming. They have overtime learn t the local language
or English language to entice their would-be givers.
VII. Question: Why do you keep coming and going back
and not look for a permanent job in Nigeria?
Answer: Almost all the respondents stated that since
they have the intension to go back, there is no need to
look for permanent jobs. They stated that they are in
Nigeria during their home country dry seasons when
they have no jobs on the farm lands and that at the on-
set of rainy seasons, around April, they will move back
to their farmlands. One of the respondent said "Why
should I stay permanently here (Nigeria)? I have my
farm to which I will return once rain begins".
VIII. Question: With what and how did you cross into
Nigeria?
Answer: All the respondents had no valid papers to
secure them entry into Nigeria. Majority agreed to
entering through illegal routes, while few ones that
came in through vehicles came in through the porous
borders. They all agreed that their resemblance with
Nigerians conferred on them some immunity whenever
they came across law enforcing agents.
IX. Question: Where do you sleep/ stay while in Nigeria?
Answer: Data showed that none of the immigrant stays
in a rented house, those who stay in Mosques are
20(40%), in obscured make-shift places 15(30%), Bus
stops 10(200/0), and no definite place 5( 10%).
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136
oMosques
~ Make-shift
9 Bus Stops
o No place
Comment: This indicate that majority of the illegal
immigrants sleep in mosques because they are
Muslims, and mosques are always left opened for
would-be worshippers hence, they capitalise on this
tenet of the religion to sleep there. Others sleep in
obscured make-shifts, while others utilise designated
bus stops that are vacant at night. A further revelation
is that these immigrants have no known families or
friends that will accommodate them while in Nigeria.
However, because of their familiarity with the terrain
(coming in for more than once), they know where to
stay on arrival in Nigeria.
Making a case for the inclusion of issues of illegal
immigrants in the Government Policy in Nigeria
Nigeria has embraced a leading role in the fight against illegal
migration. It is the first country in Africa to enact antihuman
trafficking legislation - the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition
and Administration Act (Adepoju & Van der Wiel, 2010). It is
also the first country in Africa to establish an agency to
implement the legislation (Ikuteyijo, 2012).
The priority of any democratic government must be to
establish effective control over social and national security
issues, social justice and equity. One of the ways to achieve
this is for Nigeria to effectively police and controls its borders
by evolving effective and sustainable migration management
strategies. It is noted that securing oneself (Nigeria) may be an
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assault because in trying to make oneself secured one
endangers fear in others (Dillon, 1996). This will reduce tne
rate of entry of illegal immigrants into Nigeria.
Another policy should be the issue of inclusion. Social
inclusion reflects a proactive, human development approach
to social wellbeing that calls for more than the removal of
barriers or risks. Social inclusion involves the basic notions of
belonging, acceptance and recognition. For immigrants and
refugees, social inclusion would be represented by the
realization of full and equal participation in the economic,
social, cultural and political dimensions of life in their new
country. In a simple but useful sense, therefore, social
inclusion for immigrants and refugees can be seen as the
dismantling of barriers that lead to exclusion in all these
domains (Ratna & Ted, 2003). Nigeria can achieve this
through the establishment of rehabilitation centres for willing
illegal immigrants who will eventually settle in their home
countries after training.
Financial policy should be strengthened to see to the
funding of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigeria
Custom Service (NCS). The inadequate funding of staff of
these agencies to patrol borders, and lack of modern
technology to monitor the movement of people across the
country's borders result in difficulties in managing irregular
migration along Nigeria's porous borders.
The government policies about illegal immigrants
should include border areas and communities in fighting
illegal immigrant issues. They are to be educated towards
patriotism since they make the first sacrifice in the event of
external attack by these illegal immigrants. (The situation in
Nigeria shows where boundary communities are frequently
attacked by Boko Harams). Programmes and strategies that
will build and promote cordial relationship between the
communities and security agencies should be embarked
upon.
Implications for Social Workers
1. If really Social Work is a profession that claims to fight
for social justice and places advocacy at the top of the
list of ethical obligations, it is necessary that social
workers should examine their personal belief, the
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138 Ajala E. Iv!.
beliefs of the illegal immigrants and government
policies as regard migration. This awareness and
knowledge will help social workers to effectively provide
services and advocate for their clients where necessary.
2. The resultant effects of the ECOWAS protocols
A/P1/5/79 on the Free Movement of Persons, the Right
of Residence and Establishment in 1979 with other
members which Nigeria signed and ratified make the
country to be vulnerable to entry by some of
community citizens without the ECOWAS travel
certificate. The effects of these illegal entries are
prostitution, crimes attributed to immigrants and
xenophobia feelings. These outcomes call for social
worker to work with other enforcing agents to
rehabilitate and re-orientate the illegal immigrants to
have purposeful life by settling down either in their
home country or in their new country rather than the
itinerary life they have adopted.
3. Since illegal immigrants have no legal status, they
possess no valid identification documents such as
identity cards; they have no access to public health
systems, proper housing, education and banks. This
lack of access may result in the underground forgery to
provide this documentation. Social workers are to work
with authorities that are in-charge of documentation of
immigrants to be honest, purse social justice, equity
and place the national security and economy above
personal interests that forgery of documentation
encouraged. It will reduce the illegal immigrants on the
streets.
4. Social workers should advocate for illegal immigrants
to have access to public health and safety policies
because denying them these facilities can make the
illegal immigrants with their hidden intractable
problems become nuisance to their host communities.
For instance, their children can develop behavioural
health disorders that will require intensive and costly
intervention if not granted access to public health
facilities.
5. Social Workers should advocate for policies of inclusion
and social well being of the illegal immigrants under
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mega! lmmiorants OlL..
the polici s of respect for hurnanitv.. principle of equity
and social justice. The inclusion policies will reduce the
crime rate, healthy environment and productivity in the
economy.
Conclusion
The social and economic forces that act upon trans-border
migrants and their sending and receiving communities are so
powerful that current strategies for closing the border are
likely to fail. The common joke that the building of a ten foot
wall would lead to a rush of sales for eleven foot ladders
speaks to the difficulty of local and even federal policy in
altering the powerful· forces. of globalisation (Furman,
Ackerman, Loya, Jones, & Negi, 2012) and its resultant
impact from illegal immigrants. Therefore, social workers,
enforcement agencies of government and the individuals
should work with concerted efforts in formulating and
execu tion of policies that will protect the welfare of both
national and/ or illegal immigrants. Furthermore, whether
documented of undocumented migrants, they are to be
treated equally and fairly based on the principle of equity and
social justice.
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