Diaspora Social Media Use and State Legitimacy in Nigeria

With an estimated population of over 215 million, Nigeria has one of the
most established diaspora communities globally. These Nigerians
(estimated to be about 15 million) often send money home to support
their loved ones and other socio-economic development initiatives in their
communities. However, evidence from academic literature suggest that
beyond remittances, the Nigerian diaspora are also interested in national
politics (including election campaigns and separatist agitations) in their
home country. This project examines the extent to which diaspora
Nigerians have or can do this by exploring the link between diaspora
politics, social media, and citizens' perception of state legitimacy in
Nigeria using Igbo people as case study. Specifically, the study seeks to
understand historical and cultural factors that shape citizens' perceptions
of state legitimacy; interrogate debates on how social media provides
agency for citizens at home and in the diaspora to engage themselves and
the state; explore how such relations determine political/development
outcomes in the home country; and assess how these are applicable in
fragile states such as Nigeria. Findings from this study will make a
significant contribution to literature on state-society relations and
theoretical debates on citizenship, diaspora relations and state legitimacy.
It is also relevant to governments given the increasing role that social
media plays in politics and political behaviour.