Population Equilibrium and Development Issues in Nigeria

Abstract

The study seeks to examine the relevance of population equilibrium to issues of development in Nigeria. Secondary data was utilized and the study revealed that population equilibrium centers around the carrying capacity of a nation’s resources towards its population. In other words, the available resources in the society must be able and capable of meeting the needs of the people. When this is achieved, it indicates a drive towards development and sustainable growth. Findings reveal that Nigeria’s population has grown tremendously (over 180 million), but cannot feed herself largely because of the inability of the country to utilize its resources, hence, its carrying capacity is far below what it should have. This has paved the way for food sourcing via importation to support the ever growing population, hence the continued state of underdevelopment. The paper recommends that the government should take a cue from China, India and Japan to initiate reforms that would help local contents, both human capital and material resources to meet the growing needs of the Nigerian populace.

Keywords: Population, Equilibrium, Development, Human Capital, Resources

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/58-05

Publication date:September 30^th 2019