THE IMPACT OF OVER POPULATION IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Over population is a very big threat to the socio-economic development of any given country most especially when the available resources is no where to carter for the needs and yearnings of the people coupled with bad leadership and governance or political instability as found in our country Nigeria. In the present day National Development pace, it is obvious to say that one of the biggest problems faced by any government of the country is the question of how to be able to extend its developmental projects and activities to all angles and entire members of the country, and their failure to do this, bring about negative influences and criticism to such a government or regime and also poses some constraints to the development of the country and yet the Nigeria’s population keeps increasing beyond the control of the government, as a result of these, Nigeria has been characterized with low standard of living, low quality of education, lack of social welfare packages, low per-capital income among others which are very harmful to the socio-economic development of the country and its reputation in the international communities.

1.1 Background Of The Study

Today, population has become one of the most controversial factors that are always given a special consideration in the socio-economic developmental plan of every country in the world. As many countries of the world may have different levels of population, our country Nigeria has been re-cognized world wide as one of the most populated countries of the world. But all the same, it is important to point out here that the level of the population of any country must have both negative and positive on the developmental level of such a country.

Population in Nigeria is always used in the allocation of seats and many other developmental benefits and consideration which has now made our population census to becomes a very strong political instrument used by various ethnic groups in achieving their political objectives.

1.2 Statement Of The Study

The Nigeria’s over population has brought about many problems in the country which if not checked on time, may turn the country into a hell fire. The problems include:

1. The rate of the growth of the Nigeria’s population has made the members of the country to begin to wonder if it could ever be controlled again.

2. There is a high level of environment pollution in the country.

3. The standard of living and education is speedily decreasing while the cost of living is also increasing.

4. In the town where this project research is focused, people greatly suffer the problem of scarcity of residential housing accommodation.

5. There is now a high level of social vices in the country.

6. There is now a high level of outbreak of disease resulting from the congestion in our roads, houses etc.

7. The rate at which the population increase has strictly refused to respond positively to all the strategies applied by the government towards its control and management.

1.3 Objective Of The Study

The basic aim and objectives of this research project is mainly focused on the following areas:

1. To properly assess the rate at which the population of Nigeria increase.

2. To critically examine the effects of over population in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

3. To observe the various causes of population growth (over population) in the country.

4. To asses the effort of the past and present government of the country in order to adopt and effectively manage over population of the country and its negative effects.

5. To provide measures and strategies for the control of over population in Nigeria.

6. To examine the benefits of over population in Nigeria.

1.4  Research Questions

This research project is designed to answer the following questions:

1. Can Nigeria’s government alone be able to control the over population of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government?

2. What may likely be the suitable strategies for controlling those anti-developmental problems brought by over population?

3. Does the country have any special benefits over those under populated countries, then what are those essential and special benefits of over population to Nigeria?

4. What may likely be the negative and positive effects of over population in the socio-economic development of Nigeria?

5. What are those practices seen among the dwellers of the local government that brings about a rapid increase in the population of the country?

6. In what capacity can the government help to control the population of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area?

1.5  Significance Of The Study

1. The findings of this research project will significantly be of a great benefit to the government of Nigeria during the formulation of policies regarding the socio-economic development plan of the country as well as population control.

2. The findings of the study will also serve as a study guide and a bulk of reference to other students and researcher who will wish to obtained information in this domain of knowledge.

3. This research project will also serve as a means of educating the Nigeria citizens on the negative effects of some decisions they take on the socio-economic development of the country.

4. This research project will be of great benefit to the government in identifying those causes of over population (rapid growth of population) in the county.

5. The findings of this research work will also bring about changes in peoples behaviour in the areas of family planning, polygamy etc.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

The scope of this project is to carefully assess the impact of over population in the socio-economic development of Nigeria with Osisioma Ngwa Local Government as a case study. This study will also cover Aba town and various categories of people who live in it who will provide us well information which would be used in making conclusion and recommendations on this work.