Can Access to Remittance Improve Livelihood Diversification and Poverty in Nigeria?

Poverty is a major challenge faced by many households in Nigeria, which is a result of inadequate income to cater for household needs. As a source of additional income, remittance helps fulfil the purpose of catering to needs. It serves as a source that enhances livelihood diversification to generate more income. The study's general objective was to determine the effect of remittance on livelihood diversification and poverty. The study was carried out in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Secondary data collected from General Household Survey data, 2015 were used. The data collected were analysed using the Simpson index, Logit regression model, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT), and Tobit regression model. Remittance, Gender, Age, Marital Status, Household size, Farm size, and Distance to market significantly influenced livelihood diversification. Poverty was influenced by Gender, Marital Status (married), Years of formal education, household size, Farm size, occupation, and access to credit. Remittance was not found to significantly influence poverty because only a few had access to it. Remittance access should be improved as increased access and a greater proportion of remittance in the study area would significantly increase livelihood diversification and indirectly reduce poverty.