Patterns of Inequality in Human Development Across Nigeria’s Six Geopolitical Zones

Abstract

This paper employed the historical research method in analyzing the patterns of inequality in human development across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The paper indicated that though differences in income among the zones are statistically significant, the differences are not economically substantial to induce unequal human development among the six geopolitical zones. Causes of inequality in human development among the zones may be attributed to other variables such as religion and culture rather than on income or access to infrastructural facilities. It was also deduced that generally, there exist a yawning gap in human development between the Northern zones and the southern zones, with the Northern zones trailing behind the southern zones. The problem of inequality becomes more severe comparing the female gender in the Northern zones with their counterparts in the Southern zones. Nigeria therefore requires to device pro-poor investment and growth policies, and increasing commitment to a broader poverty reduction programmes. Finally, anti-corruption policies should vigorously and sincerely be pursued to ensure that allocations to the target group (the poor) are met.

Keywords: Human Development, Inequality, Geopolitical, Amalgamation, Gender empowerment,

Marginalization