Nigerian Australians: Migration, Life, and Remittances in 2025

For Nigerian expats living in Australia, sending money home is a regular financial activity. Whether supporting family, paying school fees, or sending cash for business, choosing the right method to send money to Nigeria is essential. This guide explores the best ways to remit money to Nigeria, including traditional banks, online platforms, and peer-to-peer solutions, helping you make informed decisions.

Introduction

Nigerian Australians are one of the fastest-growing migrant communities in Australia. Known for their strong educational background, professional skills, and vibrant culture, they have become an integral part of Australia’s multicultural landscape. Beyond their contributions locally, Nigerian Australians play a vital role in remittances, sending money to support families, businesses, and community projects back home in Nigeria.

This blog delves into the migration history, population trends, employment, education, family life, and remittance habits of Nigerian Australians. It also provides actionable insights for those looking to send money to Nigeria.

Migration History and Growth

Migration from Nigeria to Australia has evolved over the decades:

• Before 1980: Nigerian migration was minimal due to Australia’s restrictive “White Australia” policy. Early arrivals were mostly students pursuing medicine, engineering, or law.
• 1980s–1990s: The dismantling of restrictive immigration laws led to gradual increases in Nigerian migrants.
• 2000s: The community expanded significantly as skilled professionals and students arrived in larger numbers.
• 2011–2016: Half of all Nigerian-born Australians arrived during this period, marking the largest influx in recent history.

Population Distribution

Population Distribution by City:

• Sydney: ~4,000 (33%)
• Melbourne: ~3,000 (25%)
• Other cities: ~5,000 (42%)

Demographics and Profile

• Total population (2022): 12,088
• Gender: 59.5% male, 40.5% female
• Median age: 34 years
• Citizenship: 43.6% Australian citizens

Religious Affiliation

• Pentecostal: 25.3%
• Catholic: 22%
• Anglican: 10.2%
• Christian nfd: 14.4%
• Islam: 5.1%

Education

Nigerian Australians are among the most highly educated migrant groups in Australia:

• Higher non-school qualifications: 82.4%
• Bachelor degree or higher: 60.6%
• Many Nigerian students pursue STEM fields, medicine, engineering, and IT.

University Trends

• Universities renowned for engineering, technology, and medicine have seen increased enrollment from Nigerian students.
• The University of NSW, in particular, has experienced significant growth in Nigerian student numbers in engineering programs.

Educational Institution Attendance

• Primary School: 5.3%
• Secondary School: 4.5%
• University/Tertiary: 28.3%
• Technical/Further Ed: 6.0%
• Not attending: 57.0%

Employment and Industries

Nigerian Australians are actively employed across diverse sectors, often holding professional or skilled roles:

• Full-time: 48.3%
• Part-time: 34.9%
• Unemployed: 12.1%
• Not in labour force: 16.6%

Top Occupations: Professionals (33.4%), Community & Personal Service Workers (27.8%), Labourers (11.1%)

Top Industries: Aged Care Residential Services (13.3%), Hospitals (8.9%), Social Assistance Services (8.3%), General Practice Medical Services (6.6%), Higher Education (2.8%)

Median Weekly Income: Personal: $773 | Family: $2,045 | Household: $1,891

Working Hours Distribution

• 1–15 hrs/week: 11.2%
• 16–24 hrs/week: 16.5%
• 25–34 hrs/week: 11.9%
• 35–39 hrs/week: 18.5%
• 40+ hrs/week: 36.4%

Family Life and Household Composition

• Couple with children: 66.9%
• Couple without children: 22.7%
• One-parent family: 8.4%
• Other: 1.9%

Household Structure: Separate houses (56.9%), Semi-detached/townhouses (21.7%), Flats/apartments (20.3%)

Mortgage & Rent: Owned outright (8.3%), Owned with mortgage (30.7%), Rented (57.5%)

Median monthly mortgage repayment: $2,167 | Median weekly rent: $350

Culture, Language, and Religion

Nigerian Australians maintain strong cultural traditions:

• Languages: English, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulfulde
• English Proficiency: 58.4% bilingual, 39.2% English only
• Cultural Practices: Nigerian cuisine, music, fashion, and festivals
• Religious Observance: Active participation in Pentecostal, Catholic, Anglican, and Islamic communities

Community Contributions and Remittances

• Unpaid domestic work: 72.1%
• Childcare: 41.9%
• Assistance to disabled persons: 10.1%
• Volunteering: 28.7%

Notable Nigerian Australians: Liz Cambage (WNBA), Keiynan Lonsdale (Actor/Singer), Timomatic (Singer), Hugo Weaving (Actor), Sussan Ley (Politician)

Remittance Insight

Nigerian Australians send significant funds back home. Remittances support families, education, businesses, and community development in Nigeria. Reliable transfer options make sending money safe and efficient.

FAQs

Sending Money to Nigeria: Famremit

If you are looking to send money to Nigeria, consider Famremit. It is fast, secure, and cost-effective, ideal for Nigerian Australians supporting family and community projects back home. Transfers are reliable and accessible from Australia, making remittances simple and stress-free.

Conclusion

Nigerian Australians are a young, educated, and culturally vibrant community. They contribute significantly to Australia’s economy, maintain rich cultural traditions, and support their families and communities in Nigeria through remittances. Understanding their demographics, professional engagement, and cultural practices provides valuable insight for anyone interacting with this growing community—especially for those in remittance and financial services.