Regional Imbalances and Inequalities in Nigeria: Causes, Consequences and Remedies

Abstract

Regional inequality and polarization of activities have persisted in most developing countries despite their quest over many decades for socio-economic and political development and modernization. This condition contributes to serious distributional problems such as hyper-urbanization, spatial concentration of population and modern activities, unemployment and underemployment, income inequality and poverty, persistent food shortages, deteriorating material conditions of farm populations, and external dependency.

This paper seeks to evaluate the causes and consequences of regional imbalances and inequalities in Nigeria, and attempt the strategies that can be employed in correcting the imbalances.

It thereafter, recommends remedies such as special government policies, legislative measures, urban development planning, integrated rural development planning, and strict adherence to the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution of the country. It also recommends massive concentration of industrial development in rural areas across the nooks and crannies of the country as a way of reducing the imbalances.

Keywords: Region, imbalance, poverty, planning, development, causes, consequences, remedies