Nigeria Rising Population: Perceived Factors Responsible among Residents of Three Local Government Areas of Niger State: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Nigeria is widely known as the most populous country in Africa; however, the nation has been plagued by a weak economy, insecurity, infrastructural deficits, low industrialization, poor healthcare services, and other consequences that reduce quality of life and shorten lifespan. When the population of a geographical location is far above the available resources, chaos is the answer, which is the situation in the nation that has been projected to overtake the population of China in 2100. This study investigated the perceived factors, consequences and solutions of the rising population in three local government (LGA) of Niger state. A descriptive survey was conducted using questionnaires in KoboCollect among residents chosen randomly in selected wards; descriptive analysis was done with SPSS. We analyzed 3758 respondents; 86.9% were in the 21-50 years age range, the sample was male-skewed, the desired number of children (M ) was 5.30, and there was no significant difference in child preference by gender. Majority (62.6%), agreed there is overpopulation, perceived factors were religion belief (56.5%), cultural belief (14.4%), husband decision (11.3%), and polygamous family practice (4.1). Increased births were attributed to emotional satisfaction (32.1%), improved social amenities (17.3%), while 32.1% disagreed on all the factors. Identified consequences of overpopulation included poor healthcare (37.0%), unemployment (26.1%), insecurity (10.1%), and a sub-standard educational system (9.5%). There is a need for population stakeholders’ roundtable meetings for urgent, decisive, measurable actions before the breaking point is reached, to enable citizens to live quality lives and exhibit their potential in their fatherland.