ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of population growth on unemployment in
Nigeria; a case study of Warri Metropolis.
The study focused on the causes of rapid population growth and unemployment
in Warri Metropolis; population growth rate and rate of unemployment in Warri
Metropolis; impact of population growth on unemployment in Warri Metropolis;
role of government in tackling rapid population growth and unemployment issues
in Warri Metropolis; and recommended possible ways to address unemployment
issues in the study area. Studies have shown that the issue of rapid population growth and unemployment has become a
serious concern in most Nigerian cities and towns. The researcher adopted the
stratified random sampling technique in dividing the study area into two zones
in which two hundred (200) unemployed youths out of the total population were
selected. The result of the hypothesis tested indicates that there is
significant relationship between population growth and unemployment in Nigeria
since the X2 calculated value of 103.4 is greater than X2
critical value of 9.488 at 0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that rapid population and unemployment is more
severe in urban areas of Nigeria. The study recommended that government should
organize awareness and job creation scheme in the urban and rural areas. This
will go a long way in handling rapid population growth and unemployment issues
in the area.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE - ii
DECLARATION - iii
CERTIFICATION -
DEDICATION - v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - vi
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
to the Study
1.2 Statement
of the Problem
1.3 Aim and
Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research
Hypotheses
1.5 Significance
of the Study
1.6 Study
Area
1.6.1 Location and size
1.6.2 Relief and Drainage
1.6.3 Geology and soil characteristics
1.6.4 Climate
and Vegetation
1.6.5 Population
1.6.6 Socio-Economic
Activities
1.7 Scope
of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
CHAPTER
TWO
THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Theoretical
Framework
2.1.1 Theories of
Unemployment
2.1.2 Migration Theories
2.2 Literature
Review
2.2.1 Unemployment:
Definition and Scope
2.2.2 Causes of
Unemployment
2.2.3 Types of
Unemployment
2.2.4 Population Growth and Demographic Change
2.2.5 Effect of Population Growth on Employment, Poverty, Savings and
Investment in Physical Assets
2.2.6 Impact of
Rapid Population Growth on Unemployment
CHAPTER
THREE
RESEARCH
METHODS AND PROCEDURE
3.1 Research
Design
3.2 Population
of the Study
3.3 Sample and
Sampling Techniques
3.4 Research
Instrument
3.5 Validity
and Reliability of Research Instrument
3.5 Method of
Data Collection
3.7 Method of
Data Analysis
CHAPTER
FOUR
DATA
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data
presentation and Analysis
4.1.1 Bio-Data of
Respondents
4.1.2 Impact of
population growth on unemployment in Warri Metropolis
4.2 Testing
of Hypothesis/Discussion of Results
CHAPTER
FIVE
SUMMARY,
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of
Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
References
Appendix: Questionnaire
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Globally,
rapid population growth and unemployment especially among youths has been
raised serious concerns to developing and less-developed countries of the
world. Youth unemployment has given rise to urban problems such as increased
crime rate, kidnapping, arm robbery and housing congestion problems. As pointed
out by Folayan (2017), Nigeria has had the worst hit of unemployment in 2012
where statistics from the National Directorate of Employment declared that over
50% of the viable youths in Nigeria are unemployed or under-employed (NDE,
2016). Little did the country (Nigeria) know that 2016 and 2017 will experience
massive youth employment of more than 80% youths are unemployed.
In
the opinion of Oye, Ibrahim and Ahmed (2021), the state of unemployment
demoralizes and increases the need of those who are able and enthusiastic to
work but cannot find jobs. Rapid population growth and unemployment is a global
phenomenon, but it is more prevalent in most developing countries of the world,
with resultant social, economic, political and psychological consequences
(Ayinde, 2018; Emeka, 2021). Nigeria’s current unemployment situation is
becoming alarming such that a large percentage of educated, able and qualified
citizens cannot secure paid employment (Omotosho, 2019). This indicates that
Nigeria over the years has steadily crumbled from its extremely resilient and
esteemed position among developing nations. One of the major concerns of
various administrations in Nigeria is the growing rate of rapid population
growth and unemployment in the country and it has consistently formed part of
the macroeconomic objectives of the government for the past decades (Omotosha,
2019). According to the World Bank (2018), the growing trend of employment and
productivity of the Asian Tigers and Japan is responsible for their enviable
and brilliant economic performance. Evidently, absence of the necessary
framework to enhance employment and productivity level in Nigeria is the sole
cause of the retarded nature of Nigeria, the acclaimed giant of Africa.
According to Bryne and Strobl (2019), the trend and problem of rapid population
growth and unemployment in Nigeria remains obstinate with a tendency of growing
geometrically to alarming rate of 3million unemployed youth annually.
The
rate of rapid population growth and unemployment in Nigeria has a devastating
effect on the youths both the highly and less educated, even though it has
mainly troubled a sizeable portion of youths from less privilege backgrounds
(Emeke, 2021). The rate of open unemployment was 12% in March 2005; it rose to
25%. According to Adebayo and Ogunrinola, (2006), unemployment trend in Nigeria
touches the job seeker within the ages of 20-24 and 25-44years while there is
fewer prevalence of unemployment within the ages of 15-19, 55-59 and 65 years
and above with the rate of unemployment being placed at 23.5% (National
Directorate of Unemployment, 2017). This figure grew to 50% in 2012 and rose to
78% in 2015 and 80% in 2017 (National Bureau of Statistics, 2017). From this
point of view, it is apparent that unemployment, particularly the unemployment
of young graduates, hinders Nigeria’s progress in so many ways aside from
economic issues, it also creates eminent danger for political stability of our
dear country (Hornby, 2020). Consequently, massive youth unemployment as it is
presently recorded in Nigeria portends serious multifaceted problems and the
threat of unemployment has gradually been identified as a pressing challenge
facing Nigeria (Ipaye, Udu and Ugu, 2015).
Rapid
population growth and unemployment is one of the major challenges facing
developing countries today. As it is been usually phrased, the phenomenon of
unemployment in the developing countries constitute an unusual problem to
labour market and the general economy of these countries. It is against this
background that this study is carried out to examine the impact of population
growth on unemployment in Nigeria; a case study of Warri Metropolis.
1.2 Statement
of the Problem
Rapid
population growth and unemployment constitutes a serious socio-economic problem
to countries in the world most especially in developing countries, such as
Nigeria, Ghana, Niger, Togo and Republic of Benin. Rapid population growth and
unemployment has led to the reduction of the aggregate output of the economy
and results in underutilization of human resources. In Nigeria, unemployment,
mostly youth unemployment is really a tragic condition that requires urgent and
proactive attention to curb the men ace (Kayode, Samuel and Silas, 2014).
A
cursory look at the state of the nation, portends more danger as the population
of unemployed youths continue to rise most especially young graduates becoming
unemployed; going with the trend of events in the country, particularly, the
decline in crude oil price, economic recession, insurgency in the northern
parts of the country and Militancy in the south particularly in Niger Delta
region of the country and among other factors. This has often prompt the
government of Nigeria to divert the fund budgeted for other sectors to be
channelled towards solving these problems (economic recession, decline oil
price, insurgency and militancy)
According
to Emeke (2021), unemployment is one of the major developmental challenges
facing Nigeria at the moment. Obadan and Odusola (2020) have found that the
prevalence of unemployment in Nigeria especially in this 21st
century, is getting worst day by day through all faces of age groups,
educational level and geographical spread. The challenges of lingering youth
unemployment are very obvious in Delta State because every year thousands of
graduates are turnout for whom there are no jobs opportunity (Emeka, 2021). As
observed by Echebiri (2015) and Uwoma (2016), the Delta State labour market
which originally would have provided enough jobs for the timid unemployed
youths have failed on their part due to increasing population. The percentage
of unemployed youth in 2016, it was 65% percent in the first quarter while in
February 2017 rose to 80% (National Directorate of Employment, 2017). This
indicates that there is an increase in population of unemployed youth in the
state and to the prolonged issue of unemployment in the state. It has resulted
to increase in crime been committed in the state, drug abuse, unwanted
pregnancy and prostitution. In Warri Metropolis, the situation is even more
worrisome, as both the educated and the less educated are affected. The
prevalence of unemployment has led many youths in Warri Metropolis to start
committing crime such as kidnapping, armed robbery and cyber crime. Studies
(Emeke, 2021; and Goldney, 2017; Folayan, 2017) have shown that youth
unemployment, globally has been a major concern to geographical studies. The
massive youth unemployment in developing countries such as Nigeria has given
rise to urban problems such as housing congestion and social vices. The rapid
increase in population has resulted to unemployment issues since thousands of
graduates leave the school every year. This has posed serious threat to the
national development and economic planning which has been a geographical
concern to the world at large and Nigeria in particular.
Youth
unemployment in Warri Metropolis has posed serious constraints to available
land, water, soil and vegetation resources since most youths now resort to
agricultural activities. Most unemployed youths now engage in agricultural activities,
Okada riding and small scale businesses. Unemployment in urban areas of Warri
Metropolis is more severe in urban areas than in rural areas. Most unemployed
youths in the rural areas tends to migrate to urban areas in search of greener
pasture and source of livelihood. This is evidence that urban areas of Warri
Metropolis experience rapid population growth and unemployment problems than
rural areas. It has been observed that there are no available jobs in rural
areas due to shortage of infrastructural development and lack of social
amenities. This study therefore addresses the aforementioned problems.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim
of this study is to investigate the impact of population
growth on unemployment in Nigeria; a case study of Warri Metropolis. The
study seeks to achieve the following objectives;
i. To
examine the causes of rapid population growth and unemployment in Warri
Metropolis.
ii. To
ascertain the population growth rate and rate of unemployment in in Warri
Metropolis;
iii. To examine
the impact of population growth on unemployment in Warri Metropolis;
iv. To
examine the role of government in tackling rapid population growth and
unemployment issues in Warri Metropolis; and
v. To
recommend possible ways to address unemployment issues in the study area.
1.4 Research
Hypotheses
The
following hypothesis stated in the null (H0) and alternative (H1)
form will be tested in this study;
H0: There is no significant relationship between
population growth and unemployment in Nigeria.
H1: There is a significant relationship between
population growth and unemployment in Nigeria.
1.5 Significance
of the Study
The
significance of the study is that it reveal the impact of population growth on
unemployment in Nigeria; a case study of Warri Metropolis, society at large and
the economy in particular. Secondly, it help to recommend possible ways to
solve unemployment issues in Nigeria.
1.6 STUDY AREA
The study area (Warri, Delta State) is located in the South-South
Geo-Political zone and in the Niger Delta Region of the Southern part of
Nigeria.
1.6.1 Location and size
Warri is one of the most important towns in Delta state, located
in the south-western part of Nigeria. Warri is located between latitude 50
30N to 50 55N of the equator and
longitude 50 291E to 50 481E of the
Greenwich meridian. It is situated 30 miles or 48km upstream from the port of
Forcados and at the terminus of road from Sapele and Ughelli. It has a
navigable channel of water front of about 61 meters. The region is often less
than 300 meters above sea level and 96km north of Benin City. As a major
industrial city in Delta State, on the Niger-Delta region bounded by Warri
north in the northern part of the state, in the west by Warri-southwest in the east
by Uwvie and Udu, while in the south by Burutu Local Government area. The area
forms part of the Warri-Effurun industrial axis in Delta State. Warri is now
over 100km2.
1.6.2 Relief and Drainage
Warri and its environs cover an area of approximately 307.8km2
with an indicating topography that is characterized by lowlands between 3-6m
above sea level. The swampy nature of the topography hinders the flow of
accumulated water formed by rains. This makes run off during the rainy season
almost impossible leading to flood in most cases
There are some creeks in the area for example Tori reek and the
major river, Warri River which is a tributary of the Focardos River which
eventually discharge into the Atlantic Ocean.
1.6.3 Geology and soil characteristics
Warri is situated within the Nigeria delta region of Nigeria which
has the Agbada, Akata and Benin formation. The rocks found are of sedimentary
rock type, silty clay and sand clay and sand to a top layer of 4-6m. This is
followed by a thick (up to 17m) layer and silt at top but coarse and pebbly at
the depth (Okoye, et al, 1987). Warri
has a flat terrain of about 4m above sea level and located at the Shore of
Warri River. The area is also characterized by hydro orphic soils, which is a
mixture of coarse, alluvial and colluvial deposits (Okoye, et al, 1987 and Efe, 2002). The Warri River and creeks that leads
to rivers Forcads and Excravos drain the area too. The closeness to water
encourages the equatorial climate which in turn determines the increase in rainfall,
leading to increased underground water and infiltration of water into the soil
i.e. flooding which cover most of the roads during the rainy season. The soil
has a low acidic level making it fairly rich in nutrients.
1.6.4 Climate and Vegetation
Warri is characterized by tropical equatorial climate according to
Koppen classification of 1918. Warri is characterized by two major seasons
namely, the rainy (wet) season and the dry season. The climate study area is
usually described in terms of its elements such as rainfalls, temperature,
humidity, solar radiation, evaporation, etc. with the low flat topography of
the area; the climate of Warri is mainly a function of longitudinal location
and nearness to the sea. The area experiences the southwest wind which
originates from the Atlantic Ocean during the rainy season. The rainy season
lasts from April to October which is a period of seven (7) months. There is
however, a break in the rainy season by August (August break) after which it
resumes and the rainfall becomes stronger.
The dry season (harmattan) is short and starts from November to
March. During this period, the area experiences the North-east trade wind that
comes from Sahara desert between December and January. The effect of the short
period of the harmattan is minor and heavy down pour often occurs in the heart
of the dry season.
Warri experiences high annual rainfall of over 3,000mm, which is
distributed throughout the year. Temperature is uniformly high with an annual
means of 280c and very low daily range of 300c with
relative humidity as high as 85%.
The natural vegetation is of rain forest with swamp forest in some
areas. The forest is rich in timber trees, palm trees well as fruit trees;
unfortunately, much of the rain forestry has been destroyed as a result of its
farming, commercial lumbering and urbanization. Nwajei (1997) observed that the
climate of the area has great influence on its vegetation. The vegetation in
the area comprises of mangrove swamp, fresh water swamp and rainforest.
1.6.5 Population
The population of Warri has increased over the years. Warri
metropolis is one of the rapidly growing cities in Nigeria with a population
rising rapidly from 19,526 in 1933, 55, 256 in 1963 280,000 in 1980, 500,000 in
1991 to 632,243 in 2006 population census exercise (annual; abstract of
statistics, 2008) and estimated at 730,000 by 2015 (Tamuno, 2009) it has a high
population density that is concentrated in the core areas of the city. These
areas includes, Warri Sapele Road, Agbassa, Okere, Okumagba Avenue, Igbudu,
Iyara, Jakpa and Airport road, Udu and Ekpan. The rise in population also
implies the rise in the numbers of commuters that needs to be carried by
transporters which give rise to drivers always on the rush through the use of
excessive speed in order to have several trips per-day. The effect of the use
of such high speed is road traffic accidents. Furthermore, this rapid increase
could be attributed to the industrial activities in the area.
1.6.6 Socio-Economic Activities
Social infrastructure exists in the area. There are lots of
primary and secondary schools, College of Education and Petroleum training
institute also exist in the area. There are different categories of roads and
water channels including Warri Port which exchanges transportation in the
hinterland with the outside world and aid the exchange and distribution of
imported and exported goods and services. Airport also exists which serves the
people in the area. Particularly the various oil companies, communication
systems in the area include post and telecommunication offices as well as radio
and television houses. Tourism and recreation activities are also available in
various schools, hotels and clubs, stadium and there are also post services.
Most of the oil companies are located in Warri, Effurun industrial
axis. They includes Chevron, Agip, Total Halliburton, Panalpina, etc. there is
also the Delta Steel Company (DSC) which produces steel at Aladja. Again in the
area, there are some surveying and civil engineering construction firms like
Niger cat, Setraco, Geosite surveys etc. there are also lot of prominent
commercial buildings which comprises of banks, hotels insurance firms, super
market, and restaurants interwoven with these commercial outlets in trading
activities of local waves and manufactured goods. The markets include Udu
market, Effurun market, Pessu market, etc.
The nature of socio-economic activities in the city has overall
effects on the way transporters organized their daily trips and most cases part
of the roads have been blocked by parked buses trying to carry market women
thus leading to accidents as a result of other roads users trying to manage the
other portions of the road.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The
scope of this research work was strictly based on the impact of population
growth on unemployment in Nigeria; a case study of Warri Metropolis. And to
offer suggestion(s) on the problems associated with rapid population increase
and unemployment.
The
scope of the study was initially designed to cover all the streets and quarters
in Nigeria. However, because of time and financial constraints, the scope was
scaled down. In this regard only selected major areas in Warri Metropolis were
covered in this study.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
In the course of the project, some of these
problems were encountered. Non availability of information materials in the
library on this particular topic became another stumbling block on the way. But
through the use of the researcher was able to gather information and ideas to
make up this write up.
Next
is time, with the work load of a final year student complete with the exams,
one cannot say time was a friend. The study is limited by a number of factors
among which are:
·
Time factor: The had to spent a lot of time in this
research work and at the same time facing his normal academic activities which
was very stressful since research writing requires a lot of time.
·
Financial constraints: it is normal that every reliable research
work requires a lot of fund to carryout and this was not an exceptional case as
finance almost hindered the researcher from not completely this work.
·
Non-availability of materials: non availability of information material in
the library on this particular topic became another stumbling block on the way
since secondary materials were not readily available as at when needed. But
though the use of the internet and some prominent scholars really helped in
achieving the success of this research work, also I was able to gather
information and ideas to make up this write up.
·
Language/communication barrier: It was almost impossible to communicate to
some people during the oral interview with them as language was a major barrier
and thus almost hindered the collection of data.
Despite all these constraints, this did not
deprive the researcher from achieving dependable result. The researcher went on
to use available information at his disposal to make the write up for this
work.
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